LIVER & KIDNEY PANEL

The Liver and Kidney Panel is a combination of Liver Function Test (LFT) and Kidney Function Test (KFT). 

The Liver Function Test (LFT) measures levels of specific enzymes and proteins in the blood. The common components of the test include: 

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme mainly found in the liver; the best test for detecting hepatitis 
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – an enzyme found in the liver and a few other places, particularly the heart and other muscles in the body 
• Total bilirubin – measures all the yellow bilirubin pigment in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin. This leads to an atypically high level of bilirubin in the blood.  
• Conjugated bilirubin measures the form made only in the liver and is often requested with total bilirubin in infants with jaundice. 
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme related to the bile ducts, often increased when blocked, either inside or outside the liver. 
• Albumin – measures the main protein made by the liver and tells how well the liver is making this protein. 
• Total protein - measures albumin and all other proteins in the blood, including antibodies made to help fight off infections 
• Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) - measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood. GGT test is used to detect liver disease arising due to alcohol abuse and bile duct obstruction. 
• A:G Ratio - calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. It may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. 

The Kidney Function Test (KFT) measure levels of various substances, including  

• Electrolytes are electrically charged chemicals that are vital to normal body processes. Electrolytes include 
  • Sodium 
  • Potassium 
  • Chloride 
• Minerals 
  • Phosphorus is vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth 
  • Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart and is required in blood clotting and the formation of bones. 
• Albumin is a protein essential to keeping fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and transporting hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. 
• Waste products 
  • Urea is a nitrogen-containing waste product that forms from the metabolism of protein 
  • Creatinine is produced by the body's muscles. Almost all creatinine is eliminated by the kidneys. 
  • Uric Acid is the end product of protein metabolism.  
• Glucose supplies energy for the body. Excess glucose in the blood can be a sign of metabolic problems such as diabetes. 
• Total Protein is a count of several kinds of proteins found in the blood. These proteins include albumin and multiple types of globulins, which are made by the immune system. 
• A:G Ratio is the calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. It may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. 

The Liver and Kidney Panel is recommended  

• As part of a routine health checkup 
• Check for damage from liver infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C 
• Individuals with high risk factors for liver and kidney disease. These risk factors include: 
  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Heart disease 
  • Elevated cholesterol levels 
  • A family history of liver or kidney disease 
  • Smoking 
  • Obesity 
  • Heavy alcohol use 
  • Injecting drugs using shared needles 
  • Unprotected sex 
  • Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins 
• Diagnose liver or kidney disorders 
• Monitor treatment efficacy of liver or kidney disorders 
• Monitor side effects of certain medications

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm. There are no special preparations required for the test, though your doctor may instruct you if any specific preparations are required. 

The Liver and Kidney Panel is a safe, standard test with very minimal risks involved such as 

• Bleeding 
• Light headedness 
• Bruising 
• Infection 

The normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.  

The doctor will evaluate the results based on health, gender, age, medical history, and other factors and explain what the test results mean in your specific situation.