Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein

The Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test contains 1 test with 7 biomarkers.

Brief Description: A Hepatic Function Panel, commonly known as a liver panel or liver function tests (LFTs), is a group of tests designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. These tests typically measure liver enzymes, bilirubin, and other molecules related to liver function. When the test is labeled "without Total Protein," it indicates that the measurement for total protein is excluded from the panel.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein Test May Be Ordered

This test is typically ordered in the following scenarios:

• Symptoms of Liver Disease: When a patient shows signs or symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or swelling, chronic fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

• Monitoring: For patients on medications that might affect the liver or those who have been exposed to possible liver toxins (e.g., alcohol or certain drugs).

• Known Liver Diseases: Monitoring the progression or treatment of known liver diseases.

• Post Procedure Monitoring: After surgeries or procedures involving the liver.

What the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein Test Checks For

This panel primarily checks for:

• Liver Enzymes: These include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Elevated levels can indicate liver damage or inflammation.

• Bilirubin: A yellow compound that the liver creates when it breaks down old red blood cells. Elevated levels can cause jaundice and may indicate problems with liver function or bile flow.

• Albumin: While the test does not measure total protein, it often measures albumin, a significant protein made by the liver. Decreased levels can suggest liver disease or other medical conditions.

Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein Test

Doctors might order:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for signs of anemia or infection.

• Prothrombin Time (PT): Measures how long it takes blood to clot and can be affected by liver function.

• Total Protein Test: Even though it's excluded in this specific panel, the total protein test might be ordered separately to assess overall nutrition and liver function further.

Conditions or Diseases that Require the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein Test

This test is crucial in diagnosing, monitoring, or ruling out:

• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, which can be due to various causes, including viral infections.

• Liver Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to long-term liver damage.

• Alcoholic Liver Disease: Damage to the liver and its function due to excessive alcohol consumption.

• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat buildup in the liver not caused by alcohol.

• Liver Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can affect liver function.

Usage of Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein Test by Health Care Providers

Healthcare providers use the results to:

• Diagnose Liver Diseases: Elevated or decreased levels can provide clues to conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.

• Monitor Disease Progression or Treatment Efficacy: For known liver diseases or conditions, periodic testing can show if the condition is getting better or worse.

• Assess Potential Liver Damage: Especially in patients taking medications known to affect the liver.

The results must always be interpreted in the context of the clinical scenario, other diagnostic information, and a patient's history.

Most Common Questions About the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test:

Purpose and Indications for the Test

Why is the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test performed?

The Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test is performed to assess the health and function of the liver. It measures various enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, helping in diagnosing liver diseases or monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for known liver conditions.

When is the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test recommended?

This test is recommended when a patient exhibits symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, or swelling. It can also be ordered as a follow-up to abnormal results on other liver tests or to monitor individuals taking medications that can affect the liver.

Interpreting the Results

What does an abnormal result in the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test indicate?

An abnormal result can suggest a liver disorder. Elevated liver enzymes, for example, might indicate liver damage or inflammation. However, the specific implications depend on which component(s) of the panel are abnormal, and results should be interpreted in the context of other clinical and diagnostic information.

Are abnormal results always indicative of a liver condition?

No, while abnormal results can suggest a liver issue, they can also be influenced by other factors, including certain medications, strenuous exercise, or other medical conditions. It's crucial to consider the overall clinical picture when interpreting results.

Implications and Management

How does the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test assist in treatment decisions?

This test helps physicians determine the severity and type of liver condition. Depending on the results, a healthcare provider might adjust medication dosages, recommend lifestyle changes, or consider further diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of liver dysfunction.

How frequently should the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test be repeated?

The frequency depends on the clinical scenario. For patients with known liver conditions or those on certain medications, regular monitoring might be needed. For others, it may be repeated only if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

Test Mechanisms and Specifics

How does the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein test differ from other liver function tests?

The Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein specifically omits the measurement of total protein. Other liver function tests might include total protein or other components to give a more comprehensive view of liver health. The choice of test depends on what specific information the physician is seeking.

Why might the Total Protein be excluded from the panel?

While total protein levels can provide insight into liver function, they can also be influenced by factors unrelated to the liver, such as kidney function or nutritional status. In some scenarios, it might be preferable to exclude this measurement to focus specifically on markers directly related to liver health.

Additional Information

Are there other tests that might be ordered alongside the Hepatic Function Panel without Total Protein?

Yes, depending on the clinical scenario, tests like a complete blood count (CBC), lipid profile, or tests for specific liver diseases (like hepatitis serologies) might be ordered to provide a more comprehensive view of a patient's health.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.