Description
A hepatic panel test, also known as a liver function test, is a blood test that measures the levels of substances in your blood to assess the health of your liver:
- Albumin and total protein: Proteins that help build and maintain muscles, bones, blood, and organ tissue. Low levels can indicate liver or kidney disease, or nutritional problems.
- Liver enzymes: Enzymes that help the liver convert food into energy. High levels can indicate liver injury or irritation.
- Bilirubin: A waste product created when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Your liver removes most of the bilirubin from your body.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): An enzyme found in most of the tissues in your body, but some of the largest amounts are found in your liver.
Symptoms of liver disease are:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark yellow urine
- Feeling very tired
Fasting not required.
