Hepatic Function

Hepatic function tests—often called a liver function panel (LFTs)—evaluate how your liver is working and whether there is liver injury or bile-flow blockage (cholestasis). These blood tests are useful for people with abnormal screening labsmedication monitoringalcohol or hepatitis riskmetabolic/fatty liver disease, or unexplained symptoms like jaundice or fatigue.

A proactive plan starts with a panel of core markers (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, total and direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein ± A/G ratio). As needed, add PT/INR (synthetic function), platelets/CBC, and cause-finding tests(hepatitis panels, autoimmune markers, iron/copper/A1AT studies). These labs support screeningdiagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, ultrasound/elastography, or endoscopy when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Often silent early: abnormal liver enzymes on routine labs

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

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

  • Medication & exposures: long-term acetaminophen or certain prescriptions, herbal/supplement use, alcohol exposure, occupational chemicals

  • Metabolic risk: central weight gain, diabetes, high triglycerides (fatty liver risk)

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

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

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect liver injury patterns (hepatocellular vs. cholestatic) and assess function (albumin, INR)

  • Guide next steps by pairing enzyme patterns with targeted cause-finding labs (hepatitis, autoimmune, iron/copper/A1AT)

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

What testing cannot do

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

  • Replace a clinician’s exam, medication review, or counseling on alcohol and metabolic risks

  • Provide treatment or dosing advice—discuss results with your clinician

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • AST & ALT: enzymes released with liver cell (hepatocellular) injury; ALT is more liver-specific. Can rise with strenuous exercise or muscle injury (AST).

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

  • Bilirubin (total/direct): processing of bile pigment; direct (conjugated) bilirubin rises with cholestasis/obstruction; indirect may rise with hemolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome.

  • Albumin & Total Protein (± A/G ratio): reflect 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 accompany portal hypertension; CBC adds anemia/infection context.

  • Context & cause-finding (as indicated): Hepatitis B/C panelsANA/ASMA/AMAferritin/iron/TIBCceruloplasminalpha-1 antitrypsin level/phenotypeA1c/lipids for fatty liver risk.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
Abnormal enzymes on a wellness panel Hepatic function panel (AST/ALT, ALP/GGT, bilirubin, albumin/TP) PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • Hep B/C • Ferritin/iron
Jaundice or cholestatic pattern Liver panel with direct bilirubin & GGT AMA • IgM (PBC context) • clinician-directed imaging
Medication/alcohol monitoring AST/ALT • GGT • Bilirubin • Albumin PT/INR • CBC if concern persists
Metabolic/fatty liver risk AST/ALT • GGT • Platelets • Albumin A1c • Lipids • Ferritin; calculate FIB-4/APRI from routine labs
Suspected hepatitis AST/ALT • Bilirubin • Albumin • INR HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBs • HCV Ab ± RNA
Follow-up of known liver disease Bilirubin • INR • Albumin • Creatinine/Na • Platelets AFP per program; trend MELD-type labs

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose the starting set: most people begin with a hepatic function panel; add PT/INR and CBC if there is concern for severity.

  2. Provide a blood sample: no routine fasting is required (fast only if lipids are added).

  3. Share medication/supplement use: some products affect liver tests; list them on your order.

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

  5. Review with your clinician: pair lab patterns with history and, when indicated, ultrasound/FibroScan or other imaging.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

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

  • ALP ± GGT predominant elevation: suggests cholestasis/bile-duct issues or infiltrative disease.

  • High direct bilirubin: supports cholestasis or impaired excretion; indirect favors hemolysis/Gilbert’s (clinical context required).

  • Low albumin / high INR: reduced synthetic function; trend closely with your clinician.

  • Normal labs do not exclude disease: compensated liver disease may have near-normal results—follow recommended monitoring.
    Always interpret patterns and trends with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Hepatic function panel (core): AST • ALT • ALP • GGT • Total/Direct Bilirubin • Albumin • Total Protein (± A/G)

  • Add for function/severity: PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • Sodium • Creatinine

  • Add for cause-finding: Hep B/C 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 reliably.

FAQs

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

Can alcohol or medicines change my results?
Yes. Alcohol and certain drugs/supplements can raise enzymes. List all products on your order.

Are AST and ALT specific to liver damage?
Mostly, but AST can also rise with muscle injury or heavy exercise. Context matters.

What if ALP is high but GGT is normal?
That can suggest bone rather than liver origin. Your clinician may add ALP isoenzymes or imaging.

Can I have liver disease with normal tests?
Yes—especially in early/compensated disease. That’s why risk-based monitoring and imaging are important.

What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin?
Direct (conjugated) bilirubin rises with cholestasisindirect with overproduction or reduced conjugation (e.g., hemolysis, Gilbert’s).

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

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Liver & Gallbladder Tests Hub

  • Cirrhosis Tests • Hepatitis B & C Tests • Fatty Liver (Metabolic) • Autoimmune Liver Disease • Hemochromatosis • Wilson’s Disease • General Health Panels

  • Key Tests: AST • ALT • Alkaline Phosphatase • GGT • Total/Direct Bilirubin • Albumin • Total Protein • A/G Ratio • PT/INR • Platelets/CBC • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Hepatitis B Panel • HCV Ab ± RNA • ANA • ASMA • AMA • Ceruloplasmin • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin • A1c • Lipid Panel

References

  • American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases — Guidance on evaluation of abnormal liver chemistries.
  • AASLD — Guidance on MASLD/NAFLD and cholestatic liver diseases.
  • European Association for the Study of the Liver — Clinical practice guidelines on liver disease assessment.
  • World Health Organization — Hepatitis B and C testing guidelines.
  • Clinical laboratory texts — Interpretation of liver enzymes, bilirubin fractions, and synthetic function tests.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Hepatic Function Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with the hepatic function panelto profile injury and bile-flow patterns, then add PT/INRplatelets/CBC, and cause-finding tests (hepatitis, autoimmune, iron/copper/A1AT) as needed. Review results with your clinician to plan imaging, follow-up intervals, and monitoring.

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Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

The Albumin Test measures albumin, the main protein made by the liver that maintains fluid balance and transports hormones, vitamins, and medications. Low albumin may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation, while high levels may reflect dehydration. Doctors order this test to evaluate swelling, fatigue, or abnormal labs. Results provide key insight into nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and overall metabolic health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: ALB Test

The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes Test measures different forms of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood to determine their source, such as liver, bone, intestine, or placenta. Doctors use this test to evaluate abnormal ALP results, identify liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders like Paget’s disease, or certain cancers. It helps distinguish between conditions and guides accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.


The ALP Test measures alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in blood to evaluate liver, bone, and bile duct health. High ALP may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or certain cancers, while low levels may suggest malnutrition or deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or bone pain and often pair it with other liver function tests. Results provide key insight into metabolic and organ health.

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Also Known As: Alkaline Phosphatase Test, Alk Phos Test, Alkp Test

The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative Test measures levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), a protein that protects the lungs and liver from damage. Low levels may indicate alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder linked to emphysema, COPD, and liver disease. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained lung or liver problems, confirm hereditary AAT deficiency, and guide treatment or monitoring strategies for long-term health management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Test, A1AT Test, AAT Test, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Serum Test

The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Random Feces Test measures levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that normally remains in the bloodstream. Elevated amounts in stool suggest protein-losing enteropathy, intestinal inflammation, or gastrointestinal conditions that impair absorption. By evaluating protein loss through the digestive tract, this test helps assess intestinal integrity and overall digestive health.

Varied
Phlebotomist
Also Known As: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Test, A1AT Test, AAT Test, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Feces Test

The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and AFP-L3 Test measures total AFP and the AFP-L3 fraction, which is more specific for liver cancer risk. Elevated AFP may indicate liver disease, germ cell tumors, or hepatitis, while AFP-L3 is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Doctors order this test to assess liver function, screen high-risk patients, and monitor cancer treatment. Results provide critical insight into liver health and cancer detection.

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Also Known As: AFP Test, Total AFP Test, Alpha-Fetoprotein Tumor Markers, Alpha-Fetoprotein Test

The ALT Test measures alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme mainly found in the liver. Elevated ALT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, alcohol use, or medication effects. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice and often pair it with AST for accurate liver assessment. Results provide essential insight into liver health, enzyme activity, and overall metabolic function.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alanine Aminotransferase Test, GPT Test, SGPT Test, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase Test

The Ammonia Plasma Test measures ammonia levels in blood to evaluate liver function and metabolic health. Elevated ammonia may result from liver disease, cirrhosis, Reye’s syndrome, or urea cycle disorders, causing confusion or altered mental status. Doctors order this test for patients with unexplained behavioral changes, lethargy, or suspected hepatic encephalopathy. Results provide key insight into liver function, metabolic disorders, and treatment monitoring.

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Also Known As: NH3 Test, NH3 Plasma Test, Ammonia Blood Test

The ANCA Screen with Reflex to ANCA Titer detects antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, often linked to autoimmune vasculitis such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. If the screen is positive, a titer is performed to measure antibody levels for greater diagnostic accuracy. Doctors use this test to evaluate unexplained inflammation, kidney or lung issues, and guide treatment decisions in autoimmune and systemic vasculitis care.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: ANCA Test, cANCA Test, pANCA Test, Serine Protease 3 Test, Acticytoplasmic Test, 3-ANCA test, PR3-ANCA Test, MPO-ANCA test

The AST Test measures aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated AST may indicate liver disease, heart attack, muscle injury, or other organ damage. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or jaundice and often pair it with ALT for accurate liver assessment. Results provide key insight into liver function, muscle health, and overall metabolic balance.

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Also Known As: Aspartate Aminotransferase Test, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase Test, SGOT Test

The Bile Acids Fractionated and Total Test measures both individual bile acid fractions and total bile acid concentration to evaluate liver function, bile flow, and metabolic integrity. This analysis helps detect cholestasis, hepatocellular injury, or impaired bile acid metabolism, supporting assessment of liver disorders, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and other hepatobiliary conditions.

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Also Known As: Bile Acids Test


The Bilirubin Direct Test measures conjugated bilirubin in the blood to assess liver function and bile duct health. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, while low levels are generally normal. Doctors order this test for patients with jaundice, fatigue, or suspected liver disease. Results help diagnose and monitor liver disorders, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate overall hepatic and biliary health.

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Also Known As: Direct Bilirubin Test

The Fractionated Bilirubin Test separates total bilirubin into direct and indirect forms to assess liver and blood health. Elevated direct bilirubin may point to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, while elevated indirect levels can signal hemolytic anemia or inherited disorders. Doctors order this test for jaundice, anemia, or suspected liver conditions. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of liver and blood disorders.

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Also Known As: Fractionated Bilirubin Test

The Bilirubin Total Test measures the overall level of bilirubin in blood to assess liver function, red blood cell breakdown, and bile duct health. Elevated bilirubin may cause jaundice and indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or hemolytic anemia. Doctors order this test for patients with yellowing skin, fatigue, or abnormal liver results. Results provide essential insight into liver disease, blood disorders, and bile flow problems, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

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Also Known As: Total Bilirubin Test

The Ceruloplasmin Test measures levels of ceruloplasmin, a copper-carrying protein made in the liver, to evaluate copper metabolism and related disorders. Low levels may indicate Wilson’s disease, Menkes disease, or severe liver disease, while high levels may suggest inflammation or pregnancy. Doctors order this test for patients with liver problems, neurological symptoms, or abnormal copper levels. Results help diagnose metabolic disorders and guide treatment.

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Also Known As: Copper Oxide Test, Wilson’s Disease Test

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

The Copper Micronutrient Plasma Test measures copper levels in the blood to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Copper is essential for red blood cell formation, connective tissue health, energy production, and nervous and immune system function. This test helps identify imbalances from poor diet, malabsorption, or toxicity, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
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Most Popular

The Copper Test measures copper levels in blood to evaluate nutritional status, liver function, and metabolic health. Abnormal levels may indicate Wilson’s disease, Menkes disease, liver disorders, or malnutrition. Both deficiency and excess copper can affect nervous system, immune function, and energy metabolism. Doctors use this test to investigate unexplained symptoms, monitor treatment, or assess copper-related disorders, providing key insight into overall health.

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Also Known As: Cu Test, Copper Serum Test, Copper Plasma Test

The DCP Test detects des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, an abnormal form of prothrombin linked to hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver disorders. Elevated levels may reflect tumor activity, chronic liver disease, or cirrhosis. This test provides valuable information for assessing liver function, monitoring cancer progression, and evaluating systemic health in patients with hepatic disease.

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Also Known As: Des-Gamma-Carboxy-Prothrombin Test

More than fifty million people worldwide have chronic liver disease. These individuals deal with Wilson's disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and more.

Unfortunately, these kinds of conditions can lead to death if they're not diagnosed and treated early. The earlier you catch it, the better your outcome will be.

Even if you aren't a heavy drinker, you should worry about your liver health. Many non-drinkers still develop liver issues.

To check your liver health, you need a hepatic function panel. Hepatic function blood tests can help identify whether or not you have liver disease or are at risk for developing it.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Hepatic Function Decline?

Hepatic function decline refers to a decrease in your liver's ability to function properly. The liver is a football-sized organ that lies just under the rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. It's essential to digestion and filtering.

Your liver is the organ that filters toxins like alcohol out of your system.

Due to genetic and environmental conditions, some people take damage to their livers. Over time, too much damage can lead to liver failure. Unfortunately, this can lead to a decline in quality of life and may even lead to death.

Risk Factors for Hepatic Function Decline

Since liver function depends on your genetic and environmental factors, there are many risk factors that researchers have connected with hepatic functional decline:

  • A family history of liver disease
  • Exposure to toxins and chemicals
  • Unprotected sexual encounter(s)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Obesity
  • Type II diabetes
  • Tattoos
  • Body piercings
  • Injecting drugs (specifically while sharing needles)
  • Exposure to other people's bodily fluids
  • Having had a blood transfusion before 1992

If any of these risk factors apply to you, you should pay special attention to your liver function panels. Your primary care physician will perform a hepatic function blood test each year when you have routine blood work done.

However, you should let your physician know if have any of these risk factors. With more information, your physician can make better decisions about your health. 

Causes of Hepatic Function Decline

As we discussed, the liver is an essential organ. It performs a lot of jobs for the human body. Because of this, there are many causes that can lead to hepatic function decline:

  • Chronic alcohol abuse
  • Accumulation of fat in the liver, which is also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Infections such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
  • Genetic conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, and hemochromatosis
  • Cancers and other neoplasms such as liver cancer, bile duct cancer, and liver adenoma
  • Immune systems problems such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and primary biliary cholangitis
  • The use of some prescription or over-the-counter medications
  • The consumption of some herbs or supplements

Since the liver is one of the primary filtering systems in the body, it's essential to note how important your consumption habits are. In other words, to protect your liver and other vital organs, you should be careful about what you eat and take. Too much alcohol, fatty foods, medications, and other substances can lead to hepatic function decline.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatic Function Decline?

Unfortunately, liver problems don't always come with signs and symptoms until the disease is fully developed. As you may remember, time is of the essence with these kinds of conditions. So, you (and your physicians) should be working together to try to diagnose liver-related conditions as early as possible.

Since signs and symptoms don't show up until later in the disease course, you need to make sure that you're getting your regular checkups. Your primary physician is the first line of diagnosis for these kinds of conditions since they perform hepatic function lab tests at your regular appointments.

These liver function panels can let your physician know whether or not there is any damage to your liver. If they do find signs of damage, they can work with you on reversing current damage and/or stopping future damage.

If your liver condition were to advance, here are some signs and symptoms that you should look out for:

  • Jaundice, a condition in which your skin and eyes turn a yellowish tint
  • Itchy skin
  • Easily bruising
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
  • Urine that is dark in color
  • Stool that is pale in color

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. If you're already experiencing jaundice (a sign that your condition has progressed to later stages), you should go to the emergency room.

How Is Hepatic Function Decline Diagnosed?

When you see your doctor, they're going to start by gathering an extensive health history. In addition, they're going to perform a physical examination.

During these two steps, they can detect any genetic markers or physical changes that may be associated with hepatic function decline.

Afterward, your physician will order blood tests to check your liver function. We will discuss more specific tests below.

In addition to these tests, your physician may order an ultrasound, CT, or MRI to visualize any changes to the liver.

Lastly, your physician may want to collect a biopsy of the liver to check for damage to the liver on the cellular or tissue level.

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

A full hepatic function panel test will check the following values:

  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Albumin/Globulin ratio
  • Alkaline phosphatase
  • ALT
  • AST
  • Bilirubin
  • Protein

All of these values are essential in detecting liver disease and understanding how far the disease has progressed.

Get a Hepatic Function Panel With Ulta Lab Tests

If you think that you may have hepatic function decline, you need to get your blood work done as soon as possible. Luckily, our hepatic function panel tests every biomarker of liver decline.

With confidential results and a quick turnaround, you'll know about your liver health within a few days. Other benefits of using Ulta Lab Tests for your testing needs include:

  • Affordable pricing on all tests
  • No insurance needed
  • No doctor’s referral required
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

With confidential results and a quick turnaround, you'll know about your liver health within a few days. Take control of your health with Ulta Lab Tests!