Which laboratory parameter provides the BEST assessment of hepatic synthetic function in a patient with ACUTE liver injury?
- A Serum albumin concentration
- B Serum total protein
- C Prothrombin time ✓
- D Serum cholesterol
Correct answer: C. Prothrombin time
Explanation
Factor VII has the shortest half-life among clotting factors, roughly 6 hours, so prothrombin time deteriorates within hours of impaired hepatic synthesis and is the most sensitive marker of acute synthetic failure. Albumin, with a half-life of about 20 days, falls too slowly to reflect acute injury and is also lowered by losses and dilution. Total protein includes immunoglobulins made by plasma cells, and cholesterol reflects cholestasis more than synthetic capacity.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.