Hepatic (Liver) Function Panel
CPT Code(s):
80076
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
2 days
Refrigerated:
5 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Hepatic Function Panel holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the liver's overall function and evaluating liver health. It provides valuable information about the levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and other markers that indicate liver function and potential liver disorders.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Hepatic Function Panel include:
1. Liver Disease Diagnosis: Hepatic Function Panel helps in diagnosing various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver damage caused by alcohol or medications. Elevated liver enzymes and abnormal levels of bilirubin or albumin can indicate liver dysfunction and guide further diagnostic investigations.
2. Liver Damage Assessment: Hepatic Function Panel aids in assessing the extent of liver damage. Increased levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) indicate liver cell injury. Serial measurements of these enzymes help monitor the progression of liver disease and assess the response to treatment.
3. Liver Function Evaluation: Hepatic Function Panel provides information about liver function through markers such as albumin, total protein, and prothrombin time (PT). Decreased levels of albumin and total protein may indicate liver synthetic dysfunction, while prolonged PT can suggest impaired blood clotting function associated with liver disease.
4. Jaundice Assessment: Hepatic Function Panel helps in evaluating jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, indicate impaired liver function or bile flow. Differentiating between different types of bilirubin (direct and indirect) can assist in determining the underlying cause of jaundice.
5. Medication Monitoring: Hepatic Function Panel is used to monitor liver function and assess the impact of medications on the liver. Certain medications can cause liver toxicity, and regular monitoring of liver enzymes helps detect potential liver damage early on. This is particularly important for patients on long-term medication regimens or those at risk for drug-induced liver injury.
6. Preoperative Evaluation: Hepatic Function Panel is often performed as part of preoperative assessments to evaluate liver function and assess the patient's ability to tolerate anesthesia and surgical procedures. Abnormal liver function can influence treatment decisions and perioperative management.
7. Overall Liver Health Assessment: Hepatic Function Panel is included as part of routine health check-ups or as a screening tool for individuals at risk of liver disease, such as those with a history of alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or obesity. It provides valuable information about liver health and can prompt further investigations or interventions if abnormalities are detected.
It is important to note that the interpretation of Hepatic Function Panel results requires considering various factors such as patient history, other clinical findings, and the specific markers included in the panel. Reference ranges may also vary depending on the laboratory and patient population.
In summary, Hepatic Function Panel has specific clinical significance in diagnosing liver diseases, assessing liver damage, evaluating liver function, monitoring medication effects, preoperative evaluations, and assessing overall liver health. By providing comprehensive information about liver enzymes, proteins, and markers, this test assists in evaluating liver health, guiding further diagnostic investigations, and optimizing patient care for liver-related conditions.