Mr. Gonzales was admitted to the hospital with ascites and jaundice. To rule out cirrhosis of the liver which laboratory test indicates liver cirrhosis?
A. Decreased red blood cell count
B. Decreased serum acid phosphatase level
C. Elevated white blood cell count
D. Elevated serum aminotransferase
Correct Answer: D. Elevated serum aminotransferase
Hepatic cell death causes the release of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the circulation. Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and irreversible disease of the liver characterized by generalized inflammation and fibrosis of the liver tissues.
Option A: Decreased red blood cell count may indicate anemia.
Option B: Serum acid phosphatase is an enzyme that acts to liberate phosphate under acidic conditions. Until now, low values cannot be determined with certainty.
Option C: A high white blood cell count usually indicates increased production of white blood cells to fight infection.