CS: LFTs vs. AST/ALT/AlkPhos/Bilirubin

[Femtochemistry]

hey guys;


What is better to write-up on the Ix part of CS: LFTs or AST/ALT/AlkPhos/Bilirubin

I ask because FA uses AST/ALT/AlkPhos/Bilirubin while UW uses LFTs.



thanks!

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[lord_jeebus]

It probably doesn't matter, but when considering the cost of this test, you may as well play it safe.

 

[EternalMD]

During my test, at some point they had told us to avoid using things such as LFTs. I had to type them out which doesn't take too long but when you're in a time crunch, LFTs is way easier. Next to the post-encounter station, you'll have a list of approved acronyms/abbreviations that you can use though. I don't know if the list is publicized but it really ought to be so that students can better prepare for this test

 

[FutureInternist]

There is a list in the back of the FA for CS which is pretty much right on

 

[Femtochemistry]

it looks like UW uses their own abbreviations; for example S/NT/ND which means soft, non-tender, non-distended. I have not seen that in FA. oh well...

 

[Winged Scapula]

it looks like UW uses their own abbreviations; for example S/NT/ND which means soft, non-tender, non-distended. I have not seen that in FA. oh well...

S/NT/ND is a common abbreviation for the abdominal examination and is used widely in clinical practice, FYI (and I add NABS as well).

 

[yaah]

Liver enzymes like AST, ALT, Alk Phos are NOT liver "function" tests. They are liver enzymes which may indicate damage. Albumin and PT are liver function tests, as is bilirubin, because abnormalities may indicate a poor functioning liver. To be sure, elevated transaminases often go hand in hand with a poor functioning liver, but generally only when they are highly elevated as in acute liver injury (when true LFTs will also be abnormal).

That being said, it seems like 75% of the medical population misuses the term "LFTs" to refer to liver enzymes, so it's probably ok for test purposes. But perhaps a stickler is writing the question or grading you 😉

By the way people who think AST is an LFT are also the people who give a diagnosis of "transaminitis" (which is not a disease).

Proper use of terminology can be your friend, as can minimizing the use of abbreviations except for the most tried and true ones that you are positive everyone knows what they mean (like PERRLA or PTT). As an example, do not use the abbreviation "PNA" for pneumonia.

 

[AlternateSome1]

I'd put down Hepatic Panel over LFTs, but LFTs should be just fine for the CS, especially since you have a maximum letter restriction when typing.