Operating Since 2001

Liver Panel

$49.00

What does a Liver Panel do?
The Liver (Hepatic) Panel is used to screen and monitor liver damage and disease.
 

Follow these simple steps to order:

1.  Select a lab panel

2.  Log in, or register if you are a new customer

3.  Complete the free online medical consultation

4.  Checkout

5.  Download and print your lab requisition form which you will receive by email (within 24 hours)

6.  Proceed to any LabCorp facility (visit www.labcorp.com to locate a facility near you) with your lab requisition Form

7.  Log in to your KwikMed.com account in 3-5 days to receive your lab results

Lab Panels may also be ordered by calling 1-877-594-5633.  See our Contact Us section for Customer Service hours.

How is the test performed?

Blood is drawn at the lab test facility.
 

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
An ALT test measures the amount of the enzyme ALT in the non-cellular part of the blood. ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. But when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up. Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage. The ALT test can identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.

Normal Results: 4–36 units per liter (U/L)
 

Albumin
The albumin test measures the amount of albumin in serum, the clear liquid portion of blood and determines if the liver is making enough albumin. This test helps in determining if a patient has liver disease or kidney disease, or if not enough protein is being absorbed by the body. Albumin is one of the two major proteins in the blood, the other is Globulin. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing. Because albumin is made by the liver, decreased serum albumin may result from liver disease. It can also result from kidney disease which allows albumin to escape into the urine. Decreased albumin may also be explained by malnutrition or a low protein diet.

Normal Results: 3.4 - 5.4 g/dl
 

Alkaline Phosphatase
An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in the blood. ALP is a protein that helps cells work, it is made mostly in the liver and in bone, but some is also made in the intestines and kidneys. Alkaline phosphatase is found in all body tissues and there are many different forms of ALP. This test is useful in screening for liver disease or damage to the liver. High levels of ALP can indicate bone or liver damage.

Normal Results: The normal value is 20 to 140 IU/L (international units per liter)
 

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is found in high concentration in heart muscle, liver cells, and skeletal muscle cells. It is also found, to a lesser degree, in other tissues. Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood. Diseases that affect liver cells cause the release of additional AST into the bloodstream. The AST test can be used to diagnose and monitor the course of liver disease (in combination with other enzymes such as ALT, ALP, and bilirubin).

Normal Results: The normal range is 10 to 34 IU/L (international units per liter)
 

Bilirubin, Direct and Bilirubin, Total
A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. This test checks liver function and watches for signs of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. When bilirubin levels are high, a condition known as jaundice occurs.  This is usually due to the inability of the liver to remove bilirubin from the body.

Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver disease or gallbladder problems in the liver, most of the bilirubin is chemically attached to another molecule before it is released in the bile. This "conjugated" (attached) bilirubin is called direct bilirubin; unconjugated (not attached) bilirubin is called indirect bilirubin.

Total serum bilirubin equals direct bilirubin plus indirect bilirubin. Conjugated bilirubin is released into the bile by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, or transferred directly to the small intestines. Bilirubin is further broken down by bacteria in the intestines, and those breakdown products contribute to the color of the feces. A small percentage of these breakdown compounds are taken in again by the body, and eventually appear in the urine.

Normal Results: Direct bilirubin 0 to 0.3 mg/dL
Normal Results: Total bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL
 

Protein, Total
A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. This information is useful in determining nutritional status or to screen for certain kideny and liver disorders.  Every cell in the human body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands. Protein is also found in all body fluids, except bile and urine. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Low protein levels can indicate liver or kidney disorders.  Serum proteins are separated into albumin and globulins. In other words, total protein = albumin + globulin.
 

Albumin is the protein of highest concentration in the serum. It carries many small molecules, but is also important for keeping fluid from leaking out into the tissues (the oncotic pressure of the blood).
 

Globulin is made up of different proteins called alpha, beta, and gamma types. Certain globulins bind with hemoglobin. Other globulins transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.

Normal Results: Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 g/dL (grams per deciliter)

Liver Panel