Ulta Lab Tests

All Liver Tests

All Liver Tests brings together the core blood tests that assess liver injury, bile-flow (cholestasis), and liver function, while helping uncover common causes such as viral hepatitis, metabolic/fatty liver disease, alcohol-related injury, autoimmune conditions, and genetic disorders. Early liver problems are often silent, so a proactive testing plan can identify issues before symptoms start.

Start with a hepatic function panel—AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, total/direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein (± A/G ratio)—and add PT/INR, platelets/CBC, and basic metabolic safety labs (sodium, creatinine). Based on your history and results, include hepatitis A/B/C screening, autoimmune markers, and iron/copper/alpha-1 antitrypsin studies. Noninvasive fibrosis scores calculated from routine labs (e.g., FIB-4, APRI) help estimate scarring risk. Labs support screening, diagnosis, staging, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, ultrasound/elastography, endoscopy, or urgent care for severe symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

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

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

  • Abdomen & fluid: bloating or ascites, rapid weight change, leg swelling

  • Bleeding/energy: easy bruising/bleeding, fatigue, weakness

  • Thinking changes: sleep reversal, confusion (possible encephalopathy)

  • Risks & exposures: viral hepatitis risks, alcohol use, metabolic syndrome (central weight, diabetes, high triglycerides), family history of iron/copper/A1AT disorders, long-term or new medications/supplements

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

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

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

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

  • Suggest causes using targeted add-ons (hepatitis panels, autoimmune markers, iron/copper/A1AT)

  • Provide risk clues for scarring via platelets and fibrosis scores (FIB-4/APRI; ELF where available)

  • Track trends over time to guide follow-up and imaging

What testing cannot do

  • Confirm cirrhosis or cancer on labs alone—imaging/elastography (and sometimes biopsy) may be needed

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

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

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • AST & ALT: enzymes of liver-cell injury; ALT is more liver-specific. (AST can rise with muscle injury/exercise.)

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) & GGT: cholestasis markers; GGT helps confirm that elevated ALP is liver-related (vs. bone).

  • Bilirubin (total/direct): high levels cause jaundice; direct (conjugated) bilirubin rises with cholestasis/obstruction.

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

  • PT/INR: clotting proteins made by the liver; prolonged INR indicates reduced synthesis.

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

  • Safety labs (BMP): sodium and creatinine/eGFR support risk assessment and MELD-type scoring.

  • Hepatitis testing: HBsAg, anti-HBs, total anti-HBc; HCV Ab with reflex RNA; HAV IgM/total, HDV/HEV in select settings.

  • Autoimmune markers: ANA, ASMA, AMA, IgG/IgM—support autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis patterns.

  • Iron & genetics: Ferritin, iron/TIBC, transferrin saturation (hemochromatosis risk); HFE testing as directed.

  • Wilson/A1AT: Ceruloplasmin (± copper studies) for Wilson disease; alpha-1 antitrypsin level/phenotype for A1AT deficiency.

  • Fibrosis indicators: FIB-4, APRI from routine labs; ELF where available.

  • HCC marker (context): AFP may support surveillance with ultrasound.

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 enzymes on wellness panel Liver panel • PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • BMP (Na, creatinine) 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
Cholestatic pattern (ALP/GGT high) Liver panel • Direct bilirubin • GGT AMA • IgM (PBC context); clinician-directed imaging
Viral hepatitis screen HBV triple panel • HCV Ab with reflex RNA Hepatic panel for injury context
Autoimmune pattern suspected Liver panel • Immunoglobulins ANA • ASMA • AMA; consider IgGsubclassing
Iron overload/elevated ferritin Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin saturation HFE genotype per clinician
Unclear cause Liver panel • PT/INR • CBC Ceruloplasmin • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin • HBV/HCV
Monitoring known cirrhosis Bilirubin • INR • Creatinine • Sodium • Albumin • Platelets AFP per surveillance; track MELD-type labs

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting set: most users begin with a hepatic function panel, PT/INR, CBC/platelets, and BMP.

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

  3. Layer cause-finding tests: add hepatitis panels, autoimmune markers, and iron/copper/A1AT studies based on patterns and history.

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

  5. Plan next steps: your clinician may recommend ultrasound/FibroScan, MRI, or endoscopy; set a monitoring schedule to trend results.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

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

  • ALP ± GGT predominant elevation: cholestasis or bile-duct disease.

  • Rising bilirubin, high INR, low albumin: reduced synthetic function—requires closer follow-up.

  • Low platelets: may signal portal hypertension; correlate with imaging and exam.

  • High ferritin + high transferrin saturation: consider iron overload; discuss HFE testing.

  • High FIB-4/APRI: suggests advanced fibrosis; confirm with elastography.
    Always interpret patterns and trends with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Core liver set (most adults): 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

  • Fibrosis assessment: calculate FIB-4/APRI (± ELF where available); imaging/elastography remains key

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

FAQs

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

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

Are normal liver tests a clean bill of health?
Not always. Compensated disease can test near normal; risk-based screening still matters.

What is the difference between LFTs and “liver function”?
“LFTs” include injury markers (AST/ALT, ALP/GGT) and function markers (albumin, PT/INR)—both are important.

When should I add hepatitis or autoimmune testing?
When enzymes are persistently abnormal or risk/history suggests infection or autoimmune disease.

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

How often should I recheck labs?
It depends on results and risk. Many people recheck every 3–12 months—follow your clinician’s plan.

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 • Sodium • Creatinine/eGFR • HBsAg • Anti-HBs • Anti-HBc • HCV Ab ± RNA • ANA • ASMA • AMA • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin Saturation • Ceruloplasmin • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Level/Phenotype • A1c • Lipid Panel • FIB-4/APRI (calculated) • ELF (where available) • AFP

References

  • American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) — Guidance on evaluation of abnormal liver chemistries and chronic liver diseases.
  • AASLD — Guidance on MASLD/NAFLD, autoimmune liver disease, and cholestatic disease.
  • European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) — Clinical practice guidelines on liver disease assessment and fibrosis.
  • World Health Organization — Hepatitis B and C testing guidelines.
  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Screening for Hepatitis B and C.
  • Clinical reviews on noninvasive fibrosis scores (FIB-4, APRI, ELF) and laboratory monitoring in liver disease.

Available Tests & Panels

Your All Liver Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to build the right package—hepatic function panel, PT/INR, CBC/platelets, BMP, plus hepatitis panels, autoimmune markers, iron/copper/A1ATstudies, and fibrosis scoring support. Review results with your clinician to set imaging, follow-up timing, and an ongoing monitoring plan.

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Blood
Blood Draw
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 The Hepatic Panel is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to evaluate the function of the liver. This panel measures various enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood that are either produced by the liver or released when liver cells are damaged. It provides crucial information about the liver's condition, aiding in the diagnosis, monitoring, and differentiation of liver disorders.
Blood
Blood Draw
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Most Popular

The Hepatitis A Antibody Total Test is a qualitative test that detects antibodies to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. It does not distinguish between IgM and IgG antibodies. A reactive result may indicate past infection or immunity from vaccination, while a non-reactive result suggests no prior exposure. Doctors use this test to assess immune status, guide vaccination decisions, and evaluate risk of hepatitis A infection.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hep A Ab Total Test, HAV Ab Total Test, Hep A Test, Hepatitis A Test
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The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody Test is a qualitative blood test that detects IgM antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result usually indicates a recent or current hepatitis A infection, while a non-reactive result means no active infection. Doctors use this test to confirm acute hepatitis A in patients with symptoms like jaundice, nausea, fatigue, or abdominal pain and to guide timely treatment and prevention.

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Also Known As: Hep A IgM test, HAV IgM Ab Test
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The Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody Test is a qualitative test that detects IgM antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result indicates a recent or acute hepatitis B infection, while a non-reactive result suggests no active infection. Doctors order this test to confirm acute hepatitis B in patients with symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain and to guide treatment and monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBcAb IgM Test, HBc IgM Test, Hep B Core IgM Test
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The Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Test is a qualitative blood test that detects antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result may indicate past or ongoing infection, while a non-reactive result suggests no exposure. This test does not distinguish between IgM and IgG antibodies. Doctors use it to evaluate hepatitis B exposure, confirm infection history, and assess overall immune response.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBcAb Total Test, HBc Total Test, Hep B Core Ab Total Test
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The Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Test with Reflex to IgM detects antibodies (anti-HBc) to the hepatitis B core antigen. If the total antibody test is reactive, reflex testing determines if IgM antibodies are present, which indicates recent or acute infection. A reactive total with non-reactive IgM suggests past or chronic infection. Doctors use this test to confirm exposure, distinguish acute from prior infection, and support hepatitis B screening and diagnosis.

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The Hepatitis B Immunity Panel Test evaluates immune status by measuring Hepatitis B surface antibody levels in the blood. A positive result typically indicates immunity from vaccination or past infection, while a negative result suggests susceptibility. This test is important for verifying protection, monitoring vaccine response, or determining if additional vaccination or further evaluation for Hepatitis B exposure is needed.

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The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative Test detects anti-HBs antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result indicates past exposure, either from hepatitis B infection or prior vaccination, while a non-reactive result suggests no detectable exposure. Doctors use this test to confirm hepatitis B exposure history, evaluate vaccine response, and guide further preventive or diagnostic decisions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBsAb Ql Test, Hep B Surface Ab Qualitative Test, HBs Ab Qual Test
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The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Quantitative Test measures the exact level of anti-HBs antibodies in blood to determine past exposure and whether protective immunity has developed from infection or vaccination. A higher antibody level generally indicates adequate immune response, while a low level suggests limited or no protection. Doctors use this test to confirm vaccine effectiveness, assess immune status, and support hepatitis B screening or preventive care.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBsAb Qn Test, Hepatitis B Titer Test
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The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test with Reflex to Confirmation screens for hepatitis B surface antigen in blood and, if reactive, automatically performs confirmatory testing. A reactive confirmed result indicates an active hepatitis B infection, while a non-reactive result shows no infection. Doctors use this test to diagnose acute or chronic hepatitis B, investigate abnormal liver tests, and guide treatment, monitoring, and infection control decisions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBsAg Test, Hep B Surface Ag Test, HBs Antigen Test, Hep B Test
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The Hepatitis B Test (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex to Confirmation) screens for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood to identify active infection. If the result is positive, a confirmation test is automatically performed to verify accuracy and support proper diagnosis.

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The Hepatitis Be Antibody (anti-HBe) Test is a qualitative blood test that detects antibodies to the hepatitis B e antigen and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result often indicates lower infectivity and a transition toward recovery or inactive disease, while a non-reactive result suggests no antibodies were detected. Doctors use this test to monitor hepatitis B infection stage, evaluate treatment response, and support long-term disease management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: HBeAb Test, Hep B e Ab Test, HBe Antibody Test
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The Hepatitis Be Antigen (HBeAg) Test is a qualitative blood test that detects the presence of hepatitis B e antigen and reports results as Reactive or Non-Reactive. A reactive result suggests active viral replication and high infectivity, while a non-reactive result indicates no HBeAg detected. Doctors use this test to evaluate hepatitis B disease stage, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assess risk of transmission, supporting long-term infection management.

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The Hepatitis Be Panel evaluates markers of hepatitis B viral replication and infectivity by measuring hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBe). The presence of HBeAg indicates active viral replication and higher infectivity, while anti-HBe suggests reduced viral activity and improved immune control. This test aids in assessing disease stage, monitoring therapy, and guiding prognosis in hepatitis B infection.

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The Hepatitis C Antibody with HCV RNA Quantitative PCR test is a comprehensive diagnostic test used to detect and confirm the presence of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood. It combines the initial screening for HCV antibodies with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to measure the viral load.
Panel Contains Test:  Anti HCV Test, HCV Antibody Test, Hep C Antibody Test
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 The Hepatitis C Antibody & Liver Function Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and assess liver function. This panel includes the Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to Quantitative HCV RNA PCR test, along with a series of liver function tests: Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Bilirubin Direct, Bilirubin Indirect, Bilirubin Total, Globulin, and Protein Total. This panel is crucial for diagnosing HCV infection and evaluating the liver's health and functionality.
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The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype Lipa Test analyzes RNA to determine the genotype of the hepatitis C virus. Genotyping is essential because HCV strains vary in treatment response and prognosis. This test provides key insights into viral behavior, supports treatment planning, and aids in monitoring patients with chronic hepatitis C, helping guide decisions that impact long-term liver health outcomes.

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The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Quantitative Test measures the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in blood to determine viral load. This test confirms active infection, evaluates disease severity, and monitors response to antiviral therapy. High viral load indicates significant viral replication, while lower or undetectable levels suggest effective treatment or controlled infection. Doctors use this test to guide therapy, track progress, and manage long-term liver health.

Also Known As: HCV RNA Test, Hepatitis C Viral Load Test, HCV PCR Test
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The Acute Hepatitis Panel with Reflex to Confirmation detects recent or acute infection by hepatitis A (IgM), B (surface antigen, core IgM), and C (antibody with reflex to RNA PCR) using immunoassay. Reflex confirmation ensures accurate diagnosis for hepatitis B surface antigen positives and reactive HCV antibodies. Use is indicated for symptomatic patients with jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes.

Also Known As:

Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex to Confirmation

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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
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Why You Should Test Your Liver With a Hepatic Function Panel

Nearly 4.5 million Americans — almost 1 in every 50 — live with liver disease. Are you one of them? If you're not sure, it might be time to order a liver function test.

A hepatic function panel tests how well your liver is working. Taking the initiative to check your liver function before noticing a problem could help you avoid serious health issues. 

Keep reading to learn what a hepatic function panel is, how it can help you catch health issues early, and how you can order it yourself online. 

What is a Decline in Hepatic Function?

Your liver is your body's hard-working multitasker. It performs many crucial functions, including:

  • Monitoring and regulating chemicals in your blood
  • Cleaning toxins from your blood
  • Performing functions with your immune system
  • Storing energy in the form of glycogen
  • Helping break down fatty food
  • Breaking down old red blood cells

Your liver is important to almost every function in your body. When your liver works poorly, your whole body can be affected. In medicine, this is known as a decline in hepatic function. 

Declining hepatic function can lead to serious health complications. That's why it's important to check your liver health as soon as you suspect that there may be a problem. 

Risk Factors for a Decline in Hepatic Function

You should watch for signs of liver problems if you have any risk factors for liver damage, including:

  • Traveling without being vaccinated against Hepatitis
  • Drinking more than the recommended maximum amount of alcohol per day
  • Being in contact with needles that aren't clean
  • Taking more than the recommended amount of medication that can harm your liver

While none of these risk factors guarantee that you will have a decline in hepatic function, they make it more likely that you will have liver problems.

Causes of a Decline in Hepatic Function

A decline in hepatic function is usually caused by liver damage or disease, such as:

  • A virus that damages the liver (such as Hepatitis A, B, and C)
  • Naturally occurring toxins
  • Excessive drug use (both street drugs and prescribed drugs)
  • Alcohol-related liver damage (alcoholic cirrhosis)
  • Liver cancer

A chronic disease like alcoholism can damage your liver slowly over a long period of time. Other diseases, such as viruses, can damage your liver quickly and leave you with lasting liver problems.

Signs and Symptoms of a Decline in Hepatic Function

If your liver is damaged, you'll need to get help immediately. Symptoms of low hepatic function include:

  • Jaundice (yellow color of your skin and eyes)
  • Light-colored stool and dark-colored urine
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Pain in your lower abdomen
  • Fatigue

If you see any of these symptoms of liver failure develop, you could be at risk for serious illness from liver damage and should have your liver function assessed right away.  

How is Decline in Hepatic Function Diagnosed?

A lab can analyze your hepatic function using blood tests. When you order your liver test online, you'll go to a patient service center to get a blood draw. They will take a sample of blood on which to perform tests.

Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Decline in Hepatic Function

Because your liver performs so many functions, a hepatic function panel includes a wide range of tests. These blood tests check how well your liver is doing its various tasks.

There are so many possible liver function tests that they are usually bundled together into a liver function panel. The most common tests included in a liver function panel are:

  • Aspartate transaminase (AST)
  • Alanine transaminase (ALT)
  • Bilirubin
  • Albumin and total protein
  • Blood creatinine 
  • Ammonia

Once you've been diagnosed with a decline in hepatic function, you can continue to order liver function panels to monitor your liver's status. 

You can also get lab tests to diagnose the cause of your liver problems, including:

These tests can help you narrow down the source of damage to your liver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decline in Hepatic Function

Fortunately, testing hepatic function involves straightforward tests. However, you may still have questions. 

Are There Any Risks Involved in a Hepatic Function Panel?

When you get your hepatic function tested, the only risks involved are the normal side effects of getting a blood test. You may see some bleeding and bruising around the blood test site. To minimize bruising, put a bandage over the site and hold it on with firm pressure for several minutes after the blood test. 

Should I Fast Before My Hepatic Function Tests?

It depends on which tests you order. Some tests do not require you to fast before you have your blood drawn, but others do. Make sure to ask your doctor or online medical professional about the specific tests that you have ordered.

Keep in mind that you may want to order other tests in addition to your hepatic function panel, like a comprehensive metabolic panel, and have them all done at once. If you are ordering other tests, you may need to fast for those ones, even if you don't have to fast for your hepatic function tests.

To fast, avoid eating for 12 hours before the test. Avoid drinking anything other than water. 

Do I Have To Wait For a Doctor to Order Hepatic Function Tests For Me?

When you order your lab test online, you don't have to wait for a doctor's referral. This saves you time and money.

Catch Liver Disease Early With a Hepatic Function Panel

Your liver is one of the most essential organs in your body. If your liver is damaged, you should know about it right away. 

Ulta Lab Tests lets you order lab tests with no need for a physician referral, so you can be proactive about your health. You'll get your confidential results in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Take control of your liver health today with a hepatic function panel test from Ulta Lab Tests.

About Jaundice and Lab Testing

Jaundice, also called icterus, is a condition where the skin, the whites of the eyes, and even body fluids turn significantly yellow following an increase in the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that forms from the normal breakdown of red blood cells (or RBCs). Red blood cells normally live for about 120 days before being broken down by the body, a process that results in the formation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver where it is metabolized and excreted in bile. Bile is a yellow-green-to-brown fluid that is released into the duodenum to help in the digestion of lipids and the elimination of waste substances like bilirubin and excess cholesterol. Changes to the normal metabolism process or overproduction of bilirubin may lead to jaundice. 

Jaundice is not an illness, per se. Rather, it is a medical condition that may indicate an underlying liver, pancreas, or gallbladder problem. Jaundice can be caused by several factors, including infections, cancer, use of certain drugs, gallstones, blood disorders, inherited conditions, congenital disabilities, among other medical conditions.

Generally, the causes of jaundice may be categorized into these three groups: 

  • Conditions that arise from the inability of the liver to metabolize and eliminate bilirubin 
  • Conditions that cause shortened life for red blood cells, which in turn leads to increased levels of bilirubin 
  • Conditions that inhibit the elimination of bilirubin from the body 

Common Causes of Jaundice 

Acute hepatitis: inflammation of the liver due to various reasons, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, alcohol abuse, viral infections, toxins, and some medicines such as acetaminophen. 

Blockage of the bile duct, which may be caused by: 

  • Damage and Scarring 
  • Biliary atresia, a congenital condition linked to the abnormal development of the bile duct, which results in the backup and pooling of bile and an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. 
  • Gallstones 
  • Pancreatic cancer may sometimes lead to the blockage of the bile duct. 

Conditions that result in a significant increase in the rate of red blood cell destruction cause an increase in bilirubin production. Such conditions include hemolytic anemia, due to an abnormal variant of hemoglobin, autoimmune disorders, malaria, or hemolytic disease of the newborn (or HDN). 

Gilbert syndrome: an inherited condition that is associated with reduced bilirubin metabolism due to decreased enzyme activity. Individuals with Gilbert syndrome may have passing jaundice during times of sickness or stress and times of increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin. 

Cirrhosis: jaundice can occur in the late stages of cirrhosis. 

Laboratory Tests 

Some of the tests used to assess liver function and detect liver damage include: 

Liver panel, which often comprises: 

ALT (or Alanine aminotransferase) 

AST (or Aspartate aminotransferase) 

ALP (or Alkaline phosphatase) 

Bilirubin, Total (conjugated and unconjugated), Direct (conjugated) and Indirect (unconjugated) 

GGT (or Gamma-glutamyl transferase) 

Albumin 

Prothrombin time (or PT): the liver produces essential proteins for blood clotting/coagulation. The PT measures the clotting function, which may indicate liver damage if abnormal. 

Urine bilirubin, which often falls under a urinalysis 

Some tests are important for the detection of infections that affect the liver, including: 

Tests that come in handy in detecting reduced red blood cell survival include: