Test Components:

This panel includes the following tests:

1. Total Protein
2. Albumin
3. Total Bilirubin
4. Direct Bilirubin
5. Alkaline Phosphatase
6. AST
7. ALT

Description:

The Liver Function Panel (or Hepatic Function) measures the blood levels of seven tests that you may want to check to see how well your liver is working. Your doctor may order it if you’re suffering from symptoms related to liver disease or if you regularly take medicine, which can affect the liver. This test is also recommended if you’ve been exposed to a Hepatitis A, B, or C virus.

Why Do I Need It?:

High or low levels in one of the seven tests in the Liver Function Panel may indicate that liver damage or liver disease is present.

If you’re taking medicine or if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis, this test is typically recommended by your physician.

Other Relevant Tests:

Customers who purchase the Liver Function Panel often choose the Hepatitis Panel or a Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel too.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

TOTAL PROTEIN: Elevated levels could indicate dehydration and high levels of albumin and/or globulin.

ALBUMIN: Elevated levels of albumin could indicate dehydration.

TOTAL BILIRUBIN: Elevated levels could indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, neoplasm, alcoholism, hemolytic disease, biliary obstruction or anorexia.

DIRECT BILIRUBIN: Elevated levels could indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, neoplasm or biliary disease.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE: Elevated levels could indicate bone growth or disease, liver disease, malignancies in the bone and liver or leukemia.

AST: Elevated levels could indicate alcoholism, cirrhosis, hepatitis, drug therapy or biliary disease.

ALT: Elevated levels could indicate liver disease, hepatocyte injury, hepatitis, drug therapy or biliary disease.

Low Results Indicate:

TOTAL PROTEIN: Low total protein levels can indicate a liver or kidney disorder.

ALBUMIN: Low levels of albumin could indicate liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure or low intake or absorption of protein.

TOTAL BILIRUBIN: Low levels are generally not a concern and are not monitored.

DIRECT BILIRUBIN: Low levels are generally not a concern and are not monitored.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE: Low levels could indicate a zinc deficiency, hypothyroidism, Vitamin C deficiency, excessive Vitamin D intake, malnutrition or Vitamin B6 deficiency.

AST: Low levels could indicate uremia, Vitamin B6 deficiency or drug therapy.

ALT: Low levels are generally not a concern and are not monitored.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should take your results to your primary care physician.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)