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Liver function tests
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Liver function tests are a group of measurements made on a blood sample. Picture a dashboard with several indicators: proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin appear together, but they do not all tell the same story about the liver.
Some indicators reflect how well the organ is working, while others may point to injury. That is why a liver panel, viewed by itself, usually cannot identify a specific disease.
In brief
Liver function tests, also called a liver panel, use a blood sample to measure several substances made or processed by the liver. The panel usually includes proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin.
Some components reflect how well the liver is working, while others may point to injury. The panel alone usually does not identify a specific disease.
Sources (1)
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineLiver Function Tests
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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