Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is a blood test commonly used in liver and gastrointestinal (GI) medicine. AST is an enzyme found inside liver cells and several other tissues, including muscle. When cells are injured, AST can leak into the bloodstream and become measurable. Clinicians most often interpret AST alongside other “liver enzymes” and liver function tests.
ALT is a blood test marker most commonly used to assess liver cell injury. ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme found mainly in liver tissue. Clinicians often order ALT as part of “liver enzymes” or a hepatic function panel. ALT is used in gastroenterology and hepatology to help interpret symptoms, risk factors, and other test results.
A Liver Function Test is a group of blood tests used to assess liver-related enzymes, bilirubin handling, and protein synthesis. It is commonly ordered in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, and gastroenterology/hepatology. It helps clinicians screen for hepatobiliary disease and monitor known liver conditions. Despite the name, many components reflect liver injury or bile flow rather than “function” alone.
Fibroscan is a noninvasive test that estimates liver stiffness using ultrasound-based elastography. It is commonly used in gastroenterology and hepatology clinics to assess liver fibrosis (scarring). Many systems can also estimate liver fat (steatosis) as part of the same exam. It is often used to help risk-stratify chronic liver disease without a liver biopsy.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) focused on the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. It creates detailed pictures without using an endoscope or duct cannulation. MRCP is commonly used in gastroenterology, hepatology, and GI surgery to evaluate biliary and pancreatic duct problems. It is typically performed in a radiology department as part of an abdominal MRI exam.
MRI Abdomen is a magnetic resonance imaging study focused on the organs and blood vessels in the abdominal cavity. It uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to create detailed cross-sectional images without ionizing radiation. It is commonly used in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers to evaluate liver, bile ducts, pancreas, bowel, and abdominal masses. It is often selected when clinicians need high soft-tissue contrast or targeted evaluation of hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease.
CT Abdomen is a computed tomography scan focused on the abdominal region. It uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images. It is commonly used in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient diagnostic workups. In gastroenterology, it helps evaluate organs involved in digestion and metabolism.
Abdominal Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of organs inside the abdomen. It is commonly used to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and major blood vessels. It is widely available in outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and hospital wards. It helps clinicians assess symptoms without using ionizing radiation.
A Barium Enema is an imaging test that outlines the large intestine (colon and rectum) on X-ray. It uses a contrast material called barium sulfate placed into the rectum to make the bowel visible. It is commonly performed in radiology using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging). It is used to evaluate structural causes of lower gastrointestinal symptoms and abnormal findings.
Barium Swallow is an imaging test that evaluates how swallowed material moves through the throat and esophagus. It uses a contrast liquid called barium and real-time X‑ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to outline the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is commonly used to assess swallowing symptoms and esophageal anatomy. It is performed in radiology and often complements endoscopy in GI practice.