: Liver Panel (Hepatic Function Panel)
: A liver panel is a group of blood tests that measures several substances related to liver function and helps show whether the liver is working normally or may be injured.
[": A liver panel gives a broad picture of liver health by combining several individual measurements in one blood sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36046-1
- Short code
- MR Liver
- Synonyms
- MR Liver
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What This Test Measures
: A liver panel typically includes enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), along with proteins like albumin and total protein, and bilirubin. Together these reflect how well the liver is functioning and whether there are signs of irritation or damage.
: Why It Is Ordered
: Your clinician may order a liver panel as part of a routine checkup, to monitor a known liver condition, to check for side effects of certain medicines, or to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal discomfort.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: The test is done on a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. In most cases no special preparation is needed, though your clinician may ask you to fast if other tests are being done at the same time.
: Understanding Your Results
: Results are reported as individual values, each with its own reference range. A value outside the range does not by itself mean something is wrong; your clinician interprets the pattern of all the results together along with your symptoms, history, and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: The liver panel is a widely used screening and monitoring tool. Abnormal results can point toward many different conditions, from temporary irritation to more serious liver disease, so they are always interpreted in context rather than in isolation.
Short name
: Liver Panel
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to fast before a liver panel?
: Can a liver panel tell me exactly what is wrong with my liver?
: What if one of my results is slightly outside the reference range?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy