Liver function tests

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What you can expect

By Mayo Clinic staff

Digestive Health

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During the test
The blood sample for liver function tests is usually drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. The needle is attached to a small tube, to collect your blood. You may feel a quick pain as the needle is inserted into your arm and experience some short-term discomfort at the site after the needle is removed.

After the test
Your blood will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the lab analysis is done on-site, you could have your test results within hours. If your doctor sends your blood to an off-site laboratory, you may receive the results within several days.

Results How you prepare
References
  1. Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed July 9, 2012.
  2. Liver panel. Lab Tests Online. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/liver-panel/tab/glance. Accessed July 9, 2012.
  3. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 17, 2012.
  4. What are blood tests? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bdt/bdt_what.html. Accessed July 9, 2012.
  5. AskMayoExpert. Abnormal liver function tests - Approach to hepatitis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  6. ALT. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8362. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  7. AST. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8360. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  8. ALP. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8340. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  9. Albumin. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8436. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  10. Total protein. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8520. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  11. Bilirubin. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8452. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  12. GGT. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8677. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  13. LD. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8344. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
  14. PT. Mayo Medical Laboratories test catalog. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9236. Accessed Sept. 11, 2012.
MY00093 Sept. 26, 2012

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