liver panel info

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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.

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This article last reviewed on March 17, 2006.