Hepatic Function Panel

Hepatic Function Panel 

The Hepatic Function Panel, also known as a Liver Panel, is a group of blood tests that provide information about the state of a person’s liver and biliary system. These tests help evaluate liver function, detect liver damage, and monitor the progression of liver disease or response to treatment. 

1. What Is Included in a Hepatic Function Panel? 

The typical panel includes: 

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Enzyme indicating liver cell injury. 

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – Enzyme reflecting liver or muscle damage. 

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – Enzyme linked to bile duct function and bone activity. 

• Total Bilirubin – Measures breakdown of red blood cells; elevated in liver/bile disorders. 

• Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin – Indicates how well bilirubin is processed by the liver. 

• Albumin – Major liver-produced protein, important for fluid balance and transport. 

• Total Protein – Measures albumin and globulin; reflects nutritional and liver health. 

2. Why Is the Hepatic Panel Performed? 

This panel is used to: 

• Diagnose liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver). 

• Monitor ongoing liver conditions or treatments. 

• Evaluate abnormal liver function symptoms (e.g., jaundice, fatigue, dark urine). 

• Check liver function prior to starting certain medications or surgeries. 

3. Reference Ranges (Typical Adults) 

• ALT: 7–56 IU/L 

• AST: 10–40 IU/L 

• ALP: 44–147 IU/L 

• Total Bilirubin: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL 

• Direct Bilirubin: 0.0–0.3 mg/dL 

• Albumin: 3.4–5.4 g/dL 

• Total Protein: 6.0–8.3 g/dL 

4. Interpreting Results 

🔹 Elevated ALT or AST: Indicates liver inflammation or damage. 

🔹 High ALP: May suggest bile duct blockage or bone disease. 

🔹 Increased Bilirubin: May indicate jaundice, bile duct issues, or red blood cell breakdown. 

🔹 Low Albumin or Total Protein: Can reflect chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues. 

5. What Can Affect Results? 

• Alcohol use, medications (e.g., acetaminophen, statins) 

• Viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C) 

• Autoimmune or genetic liver disorders 

• Obesity, fatty liver disease, or bile duct obstruction 

6. How Is the Test Performed? 

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein. 

• Fasting for 8–12 hours may be recommended. 

7. When to See a Doctor 

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you: 

• Have symptoms of liver disease (e.g., yellowing skin, swelling, abdominal pain). 

• Have risk factors for liver problems (e.g., alcohol use, hepatitis exposure). 

• Receive abnormal hepatic panel results requiring follow-up. 

🔹 Key Takeaways 

✅ The Hepatic Function Panel is vital for evaluating liver health. 

✅ Abnormal results can help detect, diagnose, and monitor liver diseases. 

✅ Always interpret results in context with symptoms and other tests.