Hepatic Function Panel, Plasma
The hepatic function panel measures several liver-related proteins and enzymes from a plasma sample. Quest describes it as helpful in assessing liver injury, evaluating liver diseases, and monitoring treatment of liver disease or the effects of hepatotoxic drugs.
About this panel
This panel includes total protein, albumin, globulin (calculated), the albumin/globulin ratio, total, direct and indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT. Quest notes that because many liver diseases produce characteristic patterns among these analytes, the individual results may help in differential diagnosis, though abnormal findings may need confirmation with repeat or additional testing.
Quest describes this panel as useful for people taking hepatotoxic drugs, those with viral hepatitis, signs of chronic liver disease, conditions carrying a higher risk of liver disease, lifestyle risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or a family history of liver disease. Quest also notes that liver enzymes reflect liver injury rather than direct liver function, so results are read alongside clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
Who might consider this panel?
- Often being evaluated for possible liver injury
- Monitoring an existing liver condition or hepatotoxic medication
- Being screened because of a risk factor such as viral hepatitis
What's included
10 analytes, ordered together in a single draw.
- ALBUMIN
- ALBUMIN/GLOBULIN RATIO
- ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
- ALT
- AST
- BILIRUBIN, DIRECT
- BILIRUBIN, INDIRECT
- BILIRUBIN, TOTAL
- GLOBULIN
- PROTEIN, TOTAL
Test details
| Quest code | 90842 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | See individual tests |
| Sample type | 2 mL plasma |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The panel reports total protein, albumin, globulin, the albumin/globulin ratio, total, direct and indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT from a 2 mL plasma sample collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube. Quest analyzes each analyte with its own method, and the bilirubin and enzyme values together are used to help assess liver injury and evaluate liver disease.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Because the panel's value comes from the pattern across its analytes rather than any one result, Quest notes it is often paired with repeat or additional testing, along with clinical and family history and a physical examination, when assessing liver injury or monitoring liver disease treatment.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the hepatic function panel measure?
It measures total protein, albumin, globulin, the albumin/globulin ratio, bilirubin (total, direct, and indirect), alkaline phosphatase, AST, and ALT from a plasma sample.
How is the sample collected?
Through a routine blood draw, collected as a 2 mL plasma sample in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Who might consider this panel?
Quest describes it as useful for people taking hepatotoxic drugs, those with viral hepatitis, signs of chronic liver disease, higher risk for liver disease, lifestyle risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or a family history of liver disease.
What is the difference between 'Plasma' and other hepatic function panels?
This version uses a plasma sample and reports total protein and the albumin/globulin ratio in addition to the other liver analytes; other hepatic panels Quest offers may use different sample types or a different analyte list.
How much is a Hepatic Function Panel, Plasma test?
$19, paid once at checkout. The price includes the physician's order this test requires and sample collection at a Quest patient service center.