Liver Panel
Overview
Sources
A liver panel, also known as liver (hepatic) function tests or LFT, is used to detect, evaluate, and monitor liver disease or damage. It usually consists of 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 that is conjugated (combined with another compound) in the liver
Albumin measures the main protein made by the liver and tells whether or not the liver is making an adequate amount of this protein
Total Protein - measures albumin and all other proteins in blood, including antibodies made to help fight off infections
Other tests that could be requested along with the liver panel are gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), and prothrombin time (PT).
When are these tests ordered?
One or more of these tests may be 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.
Many patients with early or mild to moderate liver disease may have few if any symptoms. Liver disease may be first detected through routine blood testing that is performed as part of a physical. This testing usually includes a group of 14 tests called the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Most of the tests found in the liver panel (all but the direct bilirubin) are included in the CMP. When liver disease is detected with a CMP blood test, it may be monitored over time with follow-up liver panels.
