Is a liver function panel a blood test?
Liver function five-item test, commonly known as the five liver function tests, is generally performed through a blood draw. The details are as follows:
Liver function tests are important clinical assessments that use blood laboratory analysis to evaluate liver damage and determine whether the liver's physiological functions are normal. The standard five-item liver function panel typically includes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. Elevated levels of ALT and AST may indicate possible liver inflammation, while increased bilirubin levels may suggest the presence of jaundice.
Prior to undergoing liver function testing, patients should avoid staying up late, consuming alcohol, eating greasy foods, and engaging in strenuous exercise, as these factors could affect the accuracy of test results.