Are We Missing the Signs of Liver Disease?

Liver disease is on the rise in Australia, with fatty liver disease now affecting up to 1 in 3 adults. Despite its prevalence, many people remain undiagnosed—often until the disease has progressed.

One of the most commonly used tests to check liver health is ALT (alanine transaminase). This enzyme is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged, making it a useful marker. However, there’s huge variation in what different laboratories consider concerning, meaning some people with liver disease are being missed.

Professor Simone Strasser, hepatologist and Director of the Liver Foundation, discusses this issue on the ABC Health Report with Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, highlighting why more consistent testing and earlier detection are so important.

Listen to the full episode here.