When starting statin therapy, which laboratory test should be monitored?

When starting statin therapy, which laboratory test should be monitored?

• A. CBC count
• B. Liver function tests (AST/ALT)
• C. Serum calcium
• D. Urine ketones

Answer: (B)

Starting a statin can affect the liver, so the key lab to monitor is liver function tests, specifically AST and ALT. Baseline LFTs establish a reference before therapy, and rechecking them during treatment helps catch hepatocellular injury early. If transaminases rise significantly—often discussed as a rise greater than three times the upper limit of normal—the clinician would reassess or discontinue the statin. Other labs listed don’t directly monitor statin-related risk, whereas LFTs specifically reflect potential liver effects from the medication.

Starting a statin can affect the liver, so the key lab to monitor is liver function tests, specifically AST and ALT. Baseline LFTs establish a reference before therapy, and rechecking them during treatment helps catch hepatocellular injury early. If transaminases rise significantly—often discussed as a rise greater than three times the upper limit of normal—the clinician would reassess or discontinue the statin. Other labs listed don’t directly monitor statin-related risk, whereas LFTs specifically reflect potential liver effects from the medication.