Q. A 45-year-old woman presents to the primary care clinic complaining of fatigue, mild jaundice, and abdominal discomfort in the right upper quadrant for the past two weeks. She has a history of alcohol use but denies any recent excessive consumption. There is no history of drug use or high-risk sexual behaviors.
Physical examination reveals mild hepatomegaly and tenderness on palpation in the right upper quadrant. There are no signs of chronic liver disease, such as spider angiomas or ascites. Initial blood tests show elevated liver enzymes with ALT 120 U/L (normal 7-56 U/L) and AST 115 U/L (normal 8-48 U/L). Bilirubin levels are slightly elevated at 2.1 mg/dL (normal 0.3-1.2 mg/dL).
Which liver function test is primarily used to assess liver inflammation and injury?