Understanding your Labs: The LFT
The LFT has several names. It stands for "Liver Function Tests," but this routine blood test is also known as a "Hepatic Function Panel." LFT's are performed by a laboratory on a sample of the patient's blood, collected by a laboratory technician, nurse, or physician.
The tests are run from the liquid portion of the blood, called plasma. The medical professional collecting the blood sample will draw blood from the patient's veins into a special tube. This gold or speckle top tube will be spun in a machine called a centrifuge in order to separate the whole blood into its different parts-- blood cells and plasma.
As the name indicates, LFT's are a panel of tests that check for various liver functions such as liver enzyme levels and liver inflammation. These tests are important to physicians who are taking care of patients who are taking certain medications (like aspirin), experiencing symptoms like jaundice or hepatitis, or are alcoholics. LFT's may be ordered for any patients with conditions that indicate any effects on the liver.
What tests are performed in an LFT?
Alkaline Phosphatase is one test in the hepatic function panel that helps determine the amount of bile that the liver is producing. Increased levels of bile particles can appear in the blood is the flow of bile is somehow impeded. Results in this test can prompt the physician to refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation
ALT and AST are liver enzyme tests. Increases in liver enzymes in the blood indicates liver damage. Further tests, such as an ultrasound, can be performed after a patient receives a result that may indicate liver damage in order for the physician to declare a diagnosis.
Bilirubin is another substance in the blood that can indicate liver problems. Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can help determine if the patient has blockage in the liver bile ducts, or even help monitor the progression of liver diseases like hepatitis.
It is important to visit your clinic or urgent care's laboratory for routine lab work follow ups. Only your physician can diagnose a liver problem via abnormal LFT results.
The tests are run from the liquid portion of the blood, called plasma. The medical professional collecting the blood sample will draw blood from the patient's veins into a special tube. This gold or speckle top tube will be spun in a machine called a centrifuge in order to separate the whole blood into its different parts-- blood cells and plasma.
As the name indicates, LFT's are a panel of tests that check for various liver functions such as liver enzyme levels and liver inflammation. These tests are important to physicians who are taking care of patients who are taking certain medications (like aspirin), experiencing symptoms like jaundice or hepatitis, or are alcoholics. LFT's may be ordered for any patients with conditions that indicate any effects on the liver.
What tests are performed in an LFT?
Alkaline Phosphatase is one test in the hepatic function panel that helps determine the amount of bile that the liver is producing. Increased levels of bile particles can appear in the blood is the flow of bile is somehow impeded. Results in this test can prompt the physician to refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation
ALT and AST are liver enzyme tests. Increases in liver enzymes in the blood indicates liver damage. Further tests, such as an ultrasound, can be performed after a patient receives a result that may indicate liver damage in order for the physician to declare a diagnosis.
Bilirubin is another substance in the blood that can indicate liver problems. Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can help determine if the patient has blockage in the liver bile ducts, or even help monitor the progression of liver diseases like hepatitis.
It is important to visit your clinic or urgent care's laboratory for routine lab work follow ups. Only your physician can diagnose a liver problem via abnormal LFT results.
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