Liver Health

Liver Health Tests help you understand how well your liver is working and whether there is irritation, blockage of bile flow, or reduced protein-making capacity. Because early liver problems are often silent, proactive testing can find issues before symptoms start—especially if you have metabolic risk (central weight, high triglycerides, diabetes), alcohol exposure, hepatitis risks, or take medicines that affect the liver.

A smart first step is a hepatic function panel (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, total/direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein ± A/G ratio). Add PT/INR and platelets/CBC to assess synthetic function and safety. When patterns or history suggest a cause, layer hepatitis panelsautoimmune markers, and iron/copper/alpha-1 antitrypsin tests. These labs support screeningdiagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, ultrasound/elastography, or urgent care for severe symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Often silent early: abnormal results on a routine wellness panel

  • Skin/eyes & digestion: yellow skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, itching, nausea, low appetite

  • Abdominal & systemic: right-upper-quadrant discomfort, bloating, fatigue, weakness

  • Risk & exposure: alcohol use, viral hepatitis risks, metabolic syndrome, family history of iron/copper/A1AT disorders, new or long-term medications/supplements

  • When to seek urgent care: vomiting blood or black stools, severe abdominal swelling/pain with fever, confusion or extreme sleepiness, chest pain, or trouble breathing

All symptoms and risks should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Show injury patterns (hepatocellular vs. cholestatic) and synthetic function (albumin, PT/INR)

  • Help narrow causes by pairing enzyme patterns with hepatitis, autoimmune, and iron/copper/A1AT testing

  • Track trends to evaluate recovery, medication effects, or progression over time

What testing cannot do

  • Confirm cirrhosis or cancer by itself—imaging/elastography (and sometimes biopsy) may be needed

  • Replace a clinician’s exam, medication/alcohol review, or lifestyle counseling

  • Provide treatment or dosing advice—use results to plan with your clinician

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • AST & ALT: enzymes that rise with liver-cell (hepatocellular) injury; ALT is more liver-specific. AST can also rise with muscle injury or hard exercise.

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) & GGT: cholestasis markers; ALP can be from bone, so GGT helps confirm a liver source.

  • Bilirubin (total/direct): high levels cause jaundice; patterns suggest bile-flow problems vs. overproduction.

  • Albumin & Total Protein (± A/G ratio): reflect protein-making (synthetic) function and nutrition/inflammation context.

  • PT/INR (add-on): clotting proteins made by the liver; prolonged INR suggests reduced synthesis.

  • Platelets & CBC: low platelets can track with portal hypertension; CBC adds anemia/infection context.

  • Cause-finding labs (as indicated):

    • Hepatitis panels: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc; HCV antibody with reflex RNA; HAV/HDV/HEV in select settings

    • Autoimmune markers: ANA, ASMA, AMA, immunoglobulins (IgG/IgM)

    • Iron & genetics: Ferritin, iron/TIBC, transferrin saturation (hemochromatosis risk)

    • Wilson/A1AT: Ceruloplasmin (± copper studies), alpha-1 antitrypsin level/phenotype

    • Metabolic risk: A1c, lipid panel for fatty liver risk

  • Fibrosis indicators (from routine labs): FIB-4 and APRI (calculated from age, AST, ALT, platelets); ELF where available.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
Wellness baseline / risk check Hepatic function panel (AST/ALT, ALP/GGT, bilirubin, albumin/TP) PT/INR • Platelets/CBC
Abnormal results on wellness panel Hepatic panel • PT/INR • Platelets/CBC HBV/HCV panels • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • A1c/Lipids
Metabolic/fatty liver risk AST/ALT • GGT • Platelets • Albumin • A1c • Lipids Calculate FIB-4/APRI; rule out HBV/HCV
Jaundice or cholestatic pattern Liver panel with direct bilirubin • GGT AMA • IgM (PBC context); clinician-directed imaging
Medication or alcohol monitoring AST/ALT • GGT • Bilirubin • Albumin PT/INR • CBC if concern persists
Unclear cause Liver panel • PT/INR • CBC ANA/ASMA/AMA • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • Ceruloplasmin • A1AT • HBV/HCV
Follow-up of known liver disease Bilirubin • INR • Albumin • Creatinine/Na • Platelets AFP per surveillance program; trend MELD-typelabs

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting set: most people begin with a hepatic function panel, then add PT/INR and CBC if there are signs of severity.

  2. Provide a blood sample: no routine fasting (fast only if lipids are included). List all medicines and supplements.

  3. Review patterns: your clinician may add hepatitisautoimmune, or iron/copper/A1AT tests based on the results.

  4. Get results securely: most values post within a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: imaging (ultrasound/FibroScan) or specialist referral may be recommended; set a monitoring cadence.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • AST/ALT predominant elevation: hepatocellular pattern (e.g., viral hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol, medication).

  • ALP ± GGT predominant elevation: cholestatic pattern (bile-duct problems or infiltrative disease).

  • High direct bilirubin: impaired bile flow; indirect bilirubin can rise with hemolysis or Gilbert’s.

  • Low albumin / high INR: reduced synthetic function—closer follow-up needed.

  • Near-normal labs do not exclude disease: compensated disease may test near normal.
    Always interpret patterns and trends with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Core liver wellness set: AST • ALT • ALP • GGT • Total/Direct Bilirubin • Albumin • Total Protein (± A/G)

  • Function/severity add-ons: PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • Sodium • Creatinine

  • Cause-finding add-ons: HBV/HCV panels • ANA/ASMA/AMA • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC • Ceruloplasmin • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin • A1c/Lipids

  • Monitoring: recheck the same markers on the same method to compare trends.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for liver tests?
No. Fast only if your order includes lipids.

Can alcohol or supplements change my results?
Yes. Many drugs and some supplements affect enzymes. List everything you take on the order.

Are AST and ALT specific to liver damage?
Mostly, but AST can rise with muscle injury or intense exercise. Your clinician will interpret the pattern.

What if ALP is high but GGT is normal?
That can suggest a bone source for ALP. Your clinician may add ALP isoenzymes or imaging.

Can I have liver disease with normal tests?
Yes—especially in early/compensated disease. Risk-based monitoring still matters.

When should I add hepatitis or autoimmune tests?
When enzymes are persistently abnormal or if your history suggests infection or autoimmune conditions—your clinician will guide you.

What is FIB-4?
noninvasive fibrosis score using age, AST, ALT, and platelets; high results suggest more scarring and may prompt elastography.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Liver & Gallbladder Tests Hub

  • Hepatic Function Tests • Hepatitis Screening Tests • Hepatitis Tests • Cirrhosis Tests • Fatty Liver (Metabolic) • Autoimmune Liver Disease

  • Key Tests: AST • ALT • Alkaline Phosphatase • GGT • Total/Direct Bilirubin • Albumin • Total Protein • A/G Ratio • PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • HBsAg • Anti-HBs • Anti-HBc • HCV Ab ± RNA • ANA • ASMA • AMA • Ceruloplasmin • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin • A1c • Lipid Panel • FIB-4/APRI (calculated) • ELF (where available)

References

  • American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases — Guidance on evaluation of abnormal liver chemistries and chronic liver disease.
  • European Association for the Study of the Liver — Clinical practice guidelines on assessment, MASLD/NAFLD, and cholestatic liver disease.
  • World Health Organization — Viral hepatitis testing guidelines.
  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Screening for Hepatitis B and C.
  • Clinical laboratory texts — Interpretation of liver enzymes, bilirubin fractions, and synthetic function tests; noninvasive fibrosis scores.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Liver Health Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with the hepatic function panel to profile injury and bile-flow patterns, then add PT/INRplatelets/CBC, and cause-finding tests (hepatitis, autoimmune, iron/copper/A1AT) as needed. Results post securely—review them with your clinician to plan imaging, follow-up, and monitoring.

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The Fibrinogen Antigen Test measures the amount of fibrinogen, a protein essential for blood clot formation and wound healing. Low levels may reflect bleeding disorders, liver disease, or fibrinolysis, while elevated levels are linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This test provides insight into coagulation status, thrombotic risk, and systemic inflammation, supporting evaluation of clotting function and overall vascular health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fibrinogen Antigen Nephelometry Test

Most Popular

The GGT Test measures gamma-glutamyl transferase, an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts, to evaluate liver health. Elevated GGT may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, alcohol use, or medication side effects. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain and to monitor liver damage. It is often performed with other liver tests to provide a complete picture of liver and bile duct function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Test, Gamma Glutamyl TransPeptidase Test, GGTP Test, GTP Test

Most Popular

The Glucose Test measures blood sugar levels to evaluate energy metabolism and screen for diabetes or prediabetes. Abnormal glucose may indicate hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders. Doctors use this test during routine exams, to investigate symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for diabetes. It provides essential insight into how the body regulates blood sugar and overall metabolic health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fasting Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test

The Hepatic Function Panel Test measures liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It includes ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin levels. Abnormal results may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or bile duct problems. Doctors use this test to investigate jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue and to monitor liver disease, alcohol use, or medication side effects affecting liver function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Liver Function Panel Test, LFT

The Liver Function Panel, also known as a Hepatic Function Panel, measures proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It helps detect liver disease, monitor liver conditions, and evaluate the effects of medications or other factors on liver performance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hepatic Function Panel Test, HFP Test

The General Hepatitis Panel Test screens for multiple hepatitis infections in one order. It includes Hepatitis A Antibody Total, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex to Confirmation, Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total, and Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to RNA PCR. Doctors use this panel to detect past exposure, confirm active or chronic infection, guide treatment, and support liver health monitoring.

Also Known As: Hepatitis Panel General

Most Popular

The Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Test measures IgM antibody levels in blood to evaluate immune response and early defense against infections. High IgM may indicate recent or acute infections, autoimmune disease, or certain blood disorders, while low levels may suggest immune deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate recurrent infections, unexplained inflammation, or suspected immune problems. Results provide vital insight into antibody health, immune status, and diagnostic care.

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Also Known As: Immunoglobulin M Test, Immunoglobulin M Antibody Test, IgM Antibody Test

The Iron Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures iron levels in blood along with the blood’s ability to transport iron. It helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia, iron overload (hemochromatosis), and monitor nutritional or chronic health conditions. Low iron or high TIBC may indicate anemia, while high iron or low TIBC can suggest overload. Doctors use this test to evaluate fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms linked to iron and metabolic health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Serum Iron Test, Total Iron Binding Capacity Test, TIBC Test, UIBC Test

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test measures LDH enzyme levels in blood to assess tissue damage and overall health. Elevated LDH may indicate conditions such as liver disease, heart attack, anemia, infections, or certain cancers, while low levels are uncommon. Doctors use this test to help diagnose disease, monitor treatment effectiveness, and track cell damage. It provides valuable insight into metabolic activity and organ function.

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Also Known As: LD Test, LDH Test, Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase Test

The Lipid Panel with Ratios Test measures seven key markers: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Chol/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio. This advanced panel evaluates cardiovascular risk by assessing cholesterol balance and fat metabolism. Doctors use it to detect high cholesterol, atherosclerosis risk, and heart disease, and to monitor treatment. Often part of routine exams, it provides insight into long-term heart and metabolic health.

Also Known As: Lipid Profile Test, Cholesterol Panel Test, Lipid Blood Test

The Lipid Panel Test with Reflex to Direct LDL measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratios to assess heart and vascular health. If triglycerides are very high, it automatically reflexes to direct LDL measurement for greater accuracy. Doctors use this test to evaluate cardiovascular risk, guide cholesterol management, and monitor therapy. Results provide key insight into lipid balance, heart disease prevention, and metabolic health.

Also Known As: Lipid Profile with Reflex Test, Lipids with Reflex Test, Cholesterol Profile with Reflex Test

The Metabolic Syndrome & Glucose Control Panel evaluates key biomarkers—fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and related metrics—to assess insulin resistance, glucose dysregulation, and cardiometabolic risk. This integrated panel helps clinicians identify metabolic syndrome early, monitor glycemic control, and guide interventions to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.


The Mitochondrial Antibody with Reflex to Titer Test detects antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), most commonly linked to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease. If antibodies are present, reflex titers measure their level for greater diagnostic detail. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained liver abnormalities, chronic fatigue, or jaundice, helping confirm autoimmune liver disease and guide long-term management.

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The Obstetric Panel is a prenatal blood test panel that screens for conditions affecting pregnancy and maternal health. It typically includes a Complete Blood Count, blood typing with Rh factor, antibody screen, and infectious disease testing such as hepatitis B, syphilis, rubella, and HIV. Doctors use this panel in early pregnancy to evaluate overall health, identify risks, and ensure safe monitoring for both mother and baby.


The Comprehensive Organic Acids Quantitative Urine Test analyzes a broad spectrum of metabolites—organic acids—in urine to assess metabolic pathway function. By quantifying markers of detoxification, mitochondrial energy, and microbial metabolism, this test can help detect inborn errors, mitochondrial dysfunction, or dysbiosis.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Organic Acids, Comprehensive, Quantitative, Urine Test

The Plasminogen Activity Test measures the function of plasminogen, a key protein involved in breaking down blood clots and maintaining healthy circulation. Low activity may indicate risk for abnormal clotting or thrombotic conditions, while elevated activity may suggest bleeding disorders. This test supports evaluation of fibrinolysis, helping to assess clot formation, cardiovascular health, and related hemostatic balance.

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Most Popular

The Prealbumin Test measures levels of prealbumin, a protein made by the liver that reflects short-term nutritional status. Low levels may indicate malnutrition, liver disease, inflammation, or chronic illness, while high levels may be linked to kidney disease or steroid use. Doctors use this test to assess protein-calorie nutrition, monitor patients receiving nutritional support, and guide treatment for conditions affecting metabolism and recovery.

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Also Known As: Thyroxine-binding Prealbumin Test, Transthyretin Test

The Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Test detects PAP, an enzyme produced in the prostate, to provide information about prostate health and possible disease. Abnormal levels may suggest prostate cancer, metastatic spread, or benign prostate conditions. This test supports assessment of prostate function, systemic effects, and urologic health, offering insight into disease monitoring and progression.

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Also Known As: PAP Test

The Protein C Activity Test measures the activity of protein C, a natural anticoagulant that regulates blood clotting. Low activity can indicate inherited or acquired protein C deficiency, increasing the risk of abnormal clot formation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. This test supports evaluation of clotting disorders and provides insight into overall coagulation balance and vascular health.

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The Protein C Activity Test with Reflex to Protein C Antigen measures the functional activity of Protein C, a vitamin K–dependent anticoagulant that regulates clot formation. Low Protein C activity can increase the risk of abnormal blood clots and may result from congenital deficiency, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Reflex testing to Protein C antigen helps distinguish between quantitative and functional deficiencies.


The Protein C Antigen Test measures the quantity of Protein C, a vitamin K–dependent anticoagulant that regulates clot formation. Low antigen levels may indicate inherited or acquired Protein C deficiency, which increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis or other clotting disorders. This test helps differentiate between quantitative and functional deficiencies when evaluating abnormal coagulation.

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The Protein Total Serum Test evaluates total protein concentration, reflecting both albumin and globulin, which play key roles in immune response, liver function, and nutrient transport. Abnormal findings may signal malnutrition, kidney or liver disease, or chronic inflammatory conditions. This test aids in assessing protein metabolism, systemic health, and overall physiological balance.

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Blood Draw

The Prothrombin Time with INR Test measures how long it takes blood to clot and calculates the international normalized ratio (INR) for accuracy. It is commonly used to monitor patients on blood-thinning medications like warfarin and to evaluate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding and to ensure safe and effective anticoagulant therapy.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: PT with INR Test

The Rheumatoid Factor IgA IgG IgM Antibodies Test measures multiple rheumatoid factor classes to aid in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels may suggest joint inflammation, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or chronic infections. Doctors use this comprehensive test to confirm autoimmune involvement, investigate persistent pain or stiffness, and guide treatment planning by assessing disease activity across antibody types.

Also Known As: RF Antibodies Test, Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor Antibodies Test

The Sickle Cell Screen detects abnormal hemoglobin S in blood to identify sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. A positive screen suggests the presence of sickle hemoglobin, which may require confirmatory testing. Doctors order this test for newborn screening, genetic counseling, or evaluating anemia, pain crises, or family history of hemoglobin disorders. Results provide key insight into sickle cell status, red blood cell health, and hereditary blood conditions.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Sickle Cell Test, Hemoglobin S Test, Sickle Cell Blood Test

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It serves many important roles, from aiding the digestion of food and liquids to filtering harmful toxins from the blood. It also creates important proteins and plays a part in hundreds of functions throughout the body.

With all of this being the case, it's important the liver remains healthy. It's also important to find out as soon as possible when it isn't working as it should. This can be done through a hepatic function panel and other lab tests relating to liver health.

There are several different things that can cause issues with the liver. This article will take a look at possible signs and symptoms of liver damage, who's at risk, and what you can do to assess liver damage.

What Is Liver Health Decline?

Liver health decline refers to a negative change in the liver's ability to function correctly. There can be many reasons a person's liver can become damaged or go into decline. 

Hepatitis A, B, and C are inflammatory conditions of the liver. A person can contract these diseases in a number of different ways, from viral infections to adverse reactions to drugs or alcohol. Abuse of alcohol can also lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis.

Hemochromatosis is another common liver disease. People suffering from this condition store too much iron in their bodies, which can cause damage to several organs, including the liver. It is thought to be hereditary.

Other genetic liver diseases include Wilson's disease and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Cancer of the liver is another common liver disease.

Risk Factors for Liver Health Decline

Genetics can play a part in liver health decline. If a direct relative has suffered from any of the above genetic liver diseases, you may be at greater risk of contracting them.

Other factors that can put you at higher risk of liver health decline include lifestyle-related elements such as obesity, alcohol abuse, intravenous drug use, unprotected sex, Type 2 diabetes, and exposure to certain toxins.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Health Decline

If you're worried you may be at risk of suffering from liver health decline, there are a number of signs and symptoms to observe. Jaundice is one of the most prominent signs of liver damage. This is when the skin takes on a yellowish hue; the whites of your eyes may also appear yellow.

Darkened urine can also be a sign your liver is not functioning as it should. If your urine is consistently appearing amber or brown in color, this is cause for concern. This occurs due to the liver's inability to break down a chemical compound known as bilirubin.

Other common symptoms include abdominal swelling, pale-colored stools, nausea, fatigue, easily bruising skin, and swollen legs or ankles. If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms for a prolonged period, you may want to investigate further by conducting a liver health test.

How Is Liver Health Decline Diagnosed?

There are a number of tests that can be carried out to determine how well your liver is functioning. A hepatic function panel is a comprehensive range of tests to assess the overall health of the liver. Because a hepatic (liver) panel is comprised of many different measurements, there is no one defined list of the tests it entails.

However, the measurements most often taken in the course of a liver function panel are:

  • Aspartate aminotransferase: AST is an enzyme that helps to process proteins
  • Alanine aminotransferase: ALT is another enzyme found in the liver that assists in the function of the metabolism
  • Alkaline phosphatase: ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, as well as bones, and other tissues in the body
  • Bilirubin: bilirubin is a yellow-colored waste product created during the breakdown of red blood cells
  • Albumin: a protein produced by the liver that prevents fluids from leaking out of the bloodstream

Then there are other tests that can also be conducted to detect indicators of poor liver health. Levels of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) may be tested, as high levels can be a sign of bile duct damage.

Another measurement that is often taken is levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LD). Elevated levels of this enzyme may indicate liver damage or a range of other disorders.

Prothrombin time (PT) is often also checked. PT is the time it takes your blood to clot. A high PT can be a sign of liver damage.

Other more general tests that can also pick up signs of liver damage include a C-reactive protein test, a complete blood count with differential and platelets blood test, and a comprehensive metabolic panel. Iron and total iron-binding capacity may also be checked.

As well as diagnosing liver decline, many of these tests are conducted to monitor liver diseases after they are diagnosed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Health Decline and Lab Testing

Below are some common questions regarding liver health decline and methods for testing liver function.

How Common Is Liver Health Decline?

Liver damage and decline are on the rise. They are more common in white and Native American people and more common in men than in women.

How Are Tests Conducted?

Blood tests assess liver function. A phlebotomist will take your blood and send your sample to a lab to be assessed.

How Fast Will I Get My Results?

In the majority of cases, you will receive your results online between 24 and 48 hours after your test.

Liver Function Panel and Liver Health Lab Tests

If you're concerned about the health of your liver, consider taking a liver function panel or other liver health lab tests today. With Ulta Lab tests, you'll receive quick and confidential results without the need for health insurance or a doctor's referral.

Tests are affordable and you get a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.