[Determination of galactose eliminating capacity after intravenous administration--a liver function test].

The authors discuss a simple method for assessment of the galactose elimination capacity after intravenous administration of a 20% solution, total dose 0.5 g galactose/kg body weight. In six blood venous samples after termination of an infusion (after 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 minutes) from an inserted venous catheter after assessment of the enzymatic estimation of the galactose concentration in individual samples the elimination line of galactose is assessed as well as its point of intersection (t) with the time axis. By means of these data along with the data on the amount of injected galactose and the amount of galactose excreted in the urine the galactose elimination capacity is calculated. The method is suitable for evaluation and monitoring of the functional state of the liver. It reflects the functional mass of liver parenchyma and is therefore a quantitative test of liver function.