SCENARIO

There is a general consensus in re-interpreting the so-called liver function tests in the light of novel discoveries. At the same time, recent evidence favours the use of different laboratory data to assess liver damage, fi brosis or regenerative process, but this point is not always shared. Actually, balancing the need for diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and therapy response of liver disease with a good cost/benefit ratio is very diffi cult. New tests are probably not needed but the aim should be for better utilization of existing tests to contain the increasing cost of health care. © 2007 WJG. All rights reserved