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Liver Function Test (Liver Panel, Liver Profile)

The liver produces certain enzymes. A normal, healthy liver keeps these enzymes in itself, while an injured or damaged liver will spill the enzymes into the blood stream. The two most important enzymes are aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT).

Many of the medications taken for arthritis have the potential to damage the liver. Frequent blood monitoring is needed to observe for these side effects.
The normal range of values for AST (SGOT) is from 5 to 40 units per liter and for ALT (SGPT) it is from 7 to 56 units per liter.

It is important to note that an elevated result does not absolutely mean there is liver damage present. Only your doctor is qualified to make that judgment. If it is determined that damage is present, stopping the medication may be all that it is needed for the liver to heal itself.


For more information:

Hepatitis Central - Lab Tests, What They Mean
How to review your blood test results


References:
Yale University School of Medicine, Patient's Guide to Medical Tests
ACEOLOGY MEDICAL REVIEW
MedicineNet