Hepatic Function Panel, Plasma

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

Hepatic Function Panel, Plasma
This test is crucial for assessing liver injury, diagnosing liver diseases, and monitoring the treatment of liver conditions or the adverse effects of drugs that may harm the liver. It measures various components such as total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Why is this test important?This panel helps in evaluating liver health by checking for liver injury and function. It distinguishes between different types of liver injuries and can be particularly useful for people taking medications that might affect the liver, those with viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease symptoms, high risk of liver disease, lifestyle factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or a family history of liver disease.

What does it measure?• ALT and AST levels to assess liver cell injury.
• ALP and bilirubin levels to check for bile duct problems.
• Albumin and total protein levels to evaluate the liver's ability to make proteins.

Who might need this test?Providers might recommend this test for individuals showing signs of liver issues, those with a family history of liver disease, or individuals at risk due to lifestyle or medication use.

What type of sample is required for this test?2 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube.

Understanding Your ResultsAbnormal results may indicate liver issues and require further testing for a definitive diagnosis. It's important to discuss your results with your provider, who will consider them in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Additional test information

Hepatic Function Panel, Plasma – This test is crucial for assessing liver injury, diagnosing liver diseases, and monitoring the treatment of liver conditions or the adverse effects of drugs that may harm the liver. It measures various components such as total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Plasma
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.