Ulta Lab Tests

LH-1. Liver Health

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Gamma-GT, GGTP, GTP

Ggt

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.

Also known as: LFTs, Liver Function Tests, Liver Panel

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Direct

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bilirubin, Indirect

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Also known as: Lactate Dehydrogenase LD, LDH

Ld

LDH isoenzymes is a test to check how much of the different types of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are in the blood. Measurement of LDH isoenzymes helps determine the location of any tissue damage. LDH is found in many body tissues such as the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, blood cells, and lungs. LDH exists in 5 forms, which differ slightly in structure. LDH-1 is found primarily in heart muscle and red blood cells. LDH-2 is concentrated in white blood cells. LDH-3 is highest in the lung. LDH-4 is highest in the kidney, placenta, and pancreas. LDH-5 is highest in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Also known as: Pro Time with INR, Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio, Prothrombin Time PT with INR, Prothrombin Time with INR, Protime with INR, PT

Inr

International normalized ratio (INR) - To check how well the blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant) warfarin (COUMADIN®) is working to prevent blood clots; to help detect and diagnose a bleeding disorder. Internationalized Normalized Ratio (INR) with the PT test for people who are receiving the anticoagulant warfarin (COUMADIN®).

Pt

Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot.
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The LH-1. Liver Health panel contains 4 tests with 14 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The LH-1 Liver Health panel is a focused diagnostic tool designed to assess the overall health and functionality of the liver. This panel includes tests for Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Hepatic Function Panel, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Prothrombin Time with INR, offering a snapshot of liver function, potential liver damage, and the liver's ability to synthesize proteins necessary for blood clotting.

Collection Method: Blood draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood and Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the LH-1 Liver Health Panel May Be Ordered

The LH-1 panel may be ordered when a patient presents symptoms indicative of liver disease, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or swelling, and fatigue. It's also ordered for individuals with a history of liver disease, those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or are at risk due to exposure to hepatitis viruses or other toxins. Additionally, it can be part of routine health check-ups to monitor liver health in individuals taking medications that can affect the liver.

What the LH-1 Liver Health Panel Checks For

  • Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): This enzyme test helps detect liver and bile duct injury. High levels may indicate liver damage or disease.
  • Hepatic Function Panel: A comprehensive set of tests that measure various liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin to assess liver function and health.
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Although not specific to the liver, elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage, including liver damage.
  • Prothrombin Time with INR: Measures how long it takes blood to clot, providing insight into liver's ability to produce blood clotting proteins. Abnormal values can suggest liver dysfunction.

Conditions and Diseases Detected by the LH-1 Liver Health Panel

This panel can help detect various liver conditions:

  • Liver Diseases: Such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis, indicated by abnormal enzyme levels and impaired liver function.
  • Bile Duct Obstructions: Elevated GGT levels can suggest bile flow blockages, potentially due to gallstones or tumors.
  • Liver Damage: Due to toxins, alcohol, or medication, reflected in raised liver enzyme levels.
  • Coagulation Disorders: Abnormal prothrombin time can indicate liver's reduced capability to synthesize clotting factors, seen in advanced liver disease.

Using the LH-1 Liver Health Panel Results in Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals interpret LH-1 panel results to:

  • Diagnose Liver Conditions: Identifying specific patterns of liver enzyme elevation can help pinpoint the type of liver disease.
  • Monitor Disease Progression: Tracking changes in liver enzyme levels over time can indicate the progression or improvement of liver disease.
  • Guide Treatment Decisions: Abnormal prothrombin time might necessitate adjustments in medications that affect blood clotting.
  • Evaluate Treatment Efficacy: Assessing the impact of treatments on liver function and damage.

Expanding Insights with Advanced Liver Health Panels

For those seeking a more comprehensive liver health assessment, the LH-2, LH-3, and LH-4 Liver Health panels offer expanded testing options:

  • LH-2 Liver Health panel: Adds tests like Quantitative Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Alpha-Fetoprotein, Fractionated Bilirubin, Ceruloplasmin, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, enhancing the evaluation of liver function, potential genetic conditions, and cancer markers.
  • LH-3 Liver Health panel: Builds upon LH-2 by including tests for Copper and a full spectrum of hepatitis antibodies, offering insights into liver health in the context of infectious diseases and metabolic disorders.
  • LH-4 Liver Health panel: The most comprehensive, adding Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin and Quantitative Hepatitis C Viral RNA Real-Time PCR, providing a detailed view of liver cancer risk and viral hepatitis status.

The LH-1 Liver Health panel serves as a fundamental tool for assessing liver function and detecting potential liver damage or disease. Its results can guide healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions, monitoring disease progression, and making informed treatment decisions. For individuals requiring a more in-depth analysis, the LH-2, LH-3, and LH-4 panels offer additional markers that can provide a broader understanding of liver health and related conditions.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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