Liver Function Tests
Liver enzymes are commonly tested upon life insurance application. Although they may be produced by other tissues in the body, an unexplained elevation of one or more of these enzymes is a concern for impaired liver function.
The liver tests most commonly encountered by the underwriter include: SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), also known as AST (aspartate aminotransferase), SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), also known as ALT (alanine aminotransferase) GGTP or GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase or transpeptidase). Elevations of SGOT and SGPT are usually caused by some type of liver damage that allows enzymes to “leak out” of cells. The degree of elevation roughly parallels the extent of liver cell damage.
Many impairments may cause elevations in one or more of the liver enzymes: Hepatitis, especially viral hepatitis (See Rx for Success on Hepatitis A,B,C) Cirrhosis Fatty liver, often associated with diabetes, obesity, elevated blood fats, or excess alcohol Liver cancer or metastases Alcohol use.
The goal in underwriting abnormal liver tests is to determine the underlying cause and then classify the risk accordingly.
Expectations:
| Condition | Rating |
| Ratings will vary greatly depending on levels and underlying causes | varies |
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