Liver Function Test (LFT's)
A liver function test, also known as liver (hepatic) panel, 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:
Other tests that could be requested along with the liver panel are, 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-coloured bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea; 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.
Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or back of the hand
Clinic telephone +86 (0574) 86000000 (Mon-Fri & Weekends: closed)
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- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)– an enzyme mainly found in the liver; the best test for detecting hepatitis
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme related to the bileducts; 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
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) – GGT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver; it is very sensitive to changes in liver function. It is normally present in low levels in the blood. When the liver is injured or obstructed, the GGT level rises. It is the most sensitive liver enzyme in detecting bile duct problems. A rise in GGT can occur even when there is no identifiable cause that is related to liver disease. (GGT levels fall after meals, so it is best to be tested when you have not eaten for at least 8 hours).
Other tests that could be requested along with the liver panel are, 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-coloured bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea; 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.
Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or back of the hand
Clinic telephone +86 (0574) 86000000 (Mon-Fri & Weekends: closed)
Website designed and maintained by Foreigners Medical Clinic, Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital
All content on this website in its entirety is subject to copyright. No part is to be copied without express written permission of Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital 宁波开发区中心医院