Liver Function Panel

Topic Overview

A liver (hepatic) function panel is a blood test to check how well the liver is working. This test measures the blood levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes. High or low levels may mean that liver damage or disease is present.

The liver serves several important functions in the body, including changing nutrients into energy for the body and breaking down toxic substances.

Your doctor may order a liver function panel if you have symptoms of liver disease. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice), dark yellow urine, and feeling very tired. This blood test also may be done if you have recently been exposed to a hepatitis virus or are taking a medicine that may cause liver damage.

For more information, see the topics:

• Total Protein.
• Albumin.
• Bilirubin (total and direct).
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP).
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST).
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT).

Related Information

• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis A Virus Test
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B Virus Tests
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis C Virus Tests

References

Other Works Consulted

• Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

• Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby.

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