Liver Tests for Mononucleosis

Liver tests are used to study liver function and to determine if the liver is damaged or inflamed. These tests are done on a blood sample.

Indicators of liver function

• Reference Bilirubin
• Reference Albumin
• Reference Prothrombin time

Indicators of liver damage or inflammation (liver enzyme studies)

• Reference Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
• Reference Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Reference Alkaline phosphatase
• Reference Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Opens New Window

These tests are done when your medical history and the findings of a physical exam suggest that you have a condition (such as a viral infection) that might have affected the liver.

Findings of liver tests may include the following.

Normal

All levels are within normal range.

Abnormal

Abnormal liver function tests indicate that the liver is inflamed or is not functioning normally.

Elevated enzyme levels indicate liver inflammation (hepatitis), which may be a clue that a viral infection is present.

Elevated liver enzymes may be caused by something other than mono, including other viral infections (such as hepatitis B); severe bacterial infection; heart disease; heart attack; bone, muscle, and joint injuries; and certain cancers. So liver function tests alone are not a reliable way to confirm a diagnosis of mono.

If your liver enzymes are elevated because of mono, they will return to normal without treatment after the illness goes away.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this test.

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