{"id":56068,"date":"2022-12-27T09:30:31","date_gmt":"2022-12-27T14:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56068"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:58:51","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:58:51","slug":"liver-function-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/liver-function-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding your liver panel results"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liver function tests<\/span>, commonly known as a <\/span>liver panel<\/span>, are <\/span>blood tests<\/span> used to measure liver performance through the analysis of various substances found in the blood, such as proteins, <\/span>enzymes<\/span>, and <\/span>bilirubin<\/span>. The tests can provide important insight into problems with the liver, such as inflammation, scarring, or <\/span>liver damage<\/span>. They are often used to diagnose and monitor diseases, including <\/span>hepatitis<\/span> and <\/span>cirrhosis<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a variety of different types of <\/span>liver function tests<\/span>, and each one screens for different aspects of liver health. Here’s a look at the most common types of <\/span>liver function tests<\/span>, as well as their normal ranges and what abnormal results may mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a <\/span>liver function test<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>liver function test<\/span> is a <\/span>blood test<\/span> used to measure various substances in the blood that are indicative of <\/span>hepatic function<\/span>. In a single appointment, your <\/span>healthcare<\/span> provider can gain a better overall picture of your liver health and make diagnoses or recommendations for further testing based on the results.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the test, a small <\/span>blood sample<\/span> is taken from a vein in the arm using a small needle. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis, and the results will be available within several days, or in some cases even sooner. Although your <\/span>healthcare<\/span> provider may recommend that you fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to the test, <\/span>liver function tests<\/span> generally don’t require any other preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a <\/span>liver function test<\/span> show?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your <\/span>healthcare<\/span> provider may recommend a <\/span>liver function test<\/span> for a variety of reasons. Generally, the test is ordered if you have any <\/span>symptoms or signs<\/span><\/a> that might indicate a problem with your liver, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n