Description
Blood Tests Include:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
Albumin
Alkaline phosphatase
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
Bilirubin, direct
Bilirubin, total
Protein, total
A liver panel blood test, or one or more of its components, may be ordered when someone is at risk for liver dysfunction. Some examples include:
People who have a history of known or possible exposure to hepatitis viruses
People who are heavy drinkers
Individuals whose families have a history of liver disease
People who take drugs that might occasionally damage the liver
A liver panel blood test may be ordered when a person has signs and symptoms of liver disease. Some of these include:
Weakness, fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting
Abdominal swelling and/or pain
Jaundice
Dark urine, light colored stool
Itching (pruritus)
Usually no one single set of liver blood tests are used to make a diagnosis. Often, several liver panels will be ordered over a few days or weeks to determine if a pattern is present and to help determine the cause of the liver disorder.
When liver disease is detected, it may be monitored on a regular basis over time with the liver blood test panel or with one or more of its components. A liver panel may also be ordered regularly to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for the liver disorder. We recommend that you fast for 8 hours prior to giving your blood sample.