Liver Panel


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A liver panel, also known as liver (hepatic) function tests or LFT, is used to
detect liver damage or disease. It usually includes seven tests that are run at
the same time on a blood sample. These include:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme mainly found in the liver; the
best test for detecting hepatitis
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme related to the bile ducts; often
increased when they are blocked
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – an enzyme found in the liver and a few
other places, particularly the heart and other muscles in the body
Bilirubin – two different tests of bilirubin often used together (especially
if a person has jaundice): total bilirubin measures all the bilirubin in the
blood; direct bilirubin measures a form made in the liver
Albumin – measures the main protein made by the liver and tells how well the
liver is making this protein
Total Protein - measures albumin and all other proteins in blood, including
antibodies made to help fight off infections

These and other tests may be included in the liver panel. Other tests that could
be requested as part of the panel are gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactic
acid dehydrogenase (LDH), and prothrombin time.

When are these tests ordered?
One or more of these tests are ordered when symptoms suspicious of a liver
condition are noticed. These include: jaundice, dark urine, or light-colored
bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea; loss of appetite; vomiting of
blood; bloody or black bowel movements; swelling or pain in the belly; unusual
weight change; or fatigue or loss of stamina. One or more of these tests may
also be ordered when a person has been or may have been exposed to a hepatitis
virus; has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake; or
is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.








Sandra Tara Balduf (Ane)

Frontline Hepatitis Awareness

Support for patients and educational materials

http://frontline-hepatitis-awareness.com

1-866-Hep-GoGo 866-437-4646




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