Comparative Value of Bromsulphalein, Serum Phosphatase, Prothrombin Time, and Intravenous Galactose Tolerance Tests in Detecting Hepatic Damage Produced by Carbon Tetrachloride.

Although tests of liver function have been studied for many years, it is only recently that any intensive comparative studies have been made (1 to 3). Liver function studies are performed (a) to detect hepatic damage, (b) to aid in prognosis and assist in determining any surgical risk, (c) to differentiate obstructive from nonobstructive jaundice. The detection of hepatic damage is complicated by the large number of functional activities performed by the liver. As various functions of the liver will be affected to different degrees by a given type of damage, the results of a liver function test will depend upon which function is tested. Thus, while a given test is positive, others may be negative. This has led to the general concept of a dissociation of liver functions and liver function tests. Although tests of hepatic function are used on experimental animals, no experimental comparison has been made of the newer liver function tests. In this investigation, 5 liver function tests were studied in dogs receiving small doses of carbon tetrachloride, twice a week, to ascertain (a) the comparative sensitivity of the tests in detecting hepatic damage, (b) the constancy, or change in value, of a test as the doses of carbon tetrachloride were continued, (c) whether or not association or dissociation of the liver function tests was present.