The primary distinction between a lipid profile and a liver function test is that one measures problems in lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides using a blood test, whilst the other measures the liver’s general health using a blood test.

Blood tests come in two varieties: lipid profiles and liver function tests. In liver illnesses such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, there is a significant link between lipid profile, liver function tests, and fibroscan. For patients with symptomatic liver issues, doctors frequently advise combining the results of the lipid profile with liver function tests. Other additional names for a lipid panel test include the following;

  • Lipid test
  • Lipid profile
  • Coronary risk panel
  • Cholesterol panel
  • Non-fasting lipid panel or fasting lipid panel

What is the Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test involves drawing blood to check for abnormalities in lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides. A complete cholesterol test is another name for it. This examination assists in identifying the potential for the development of fatty deposits in the arteries called plaques. Atherosclerosis is a condition brought on by these fatty deposits, which frequently produce blocked or constricted arteries all through the body.

Four different blood fats, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol), and triglycerides, are measured or calculated using a full cholesterol test. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) advise this test for those who have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease due to factors like having diabetes, being overweight, having a family tradition of heart attacks or high cholesterol, being physically inactive, eating a bad diet, or smoking cigarettes. Due to an infection, patients may occasionally experience discomfort or sensitivity in the vicinity of the blood draw site. Additionally, in accordance with US recommendations, the ideal lipid profile test results for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are, below 200 mg/dL, below 704 mg/dL, below 70 mg/dL, and below 150 mg/dL, respectively.

Liver Function Test: What Is It?

A blood test called a liver function test is used to assess a patient’s liver’s general health. It is employed to identify and keep track of liver disorders and damage. It gauges how well the liver carries out its typical tasks of creating proteins (enzymes) and getting rid of bilirubin. Additionally, it evaluates the enzymes the liver cells produce in reaction to injury or illness.

A LFT test can be done to find signs of cirrhosis, viral or alcohol-induced hepatitis, and medication-induced liver damage. A liver function test also quantifies the presence of specific proteins and enzymes. A problem with the liver is indicated if the levels are higher than usual. The following are the usual ranges:

  • Aspartate transaminase – 8 to 33 U/L
  • Alkaline transaminase – 4 to 36 U/L
  • Alkaline phosphatase is 44 to 147(IU/L
  • Gamma-glutamyltransferase is 5 to 40 U/L
  • Bilirubin is less than 0.3 mg/dl,
  • Lactate dehydrogenase is 105 to 333 IU/L

Prothrombin time is also measured in liver function tests (normal range 10 to 13 seconds). If it rises, it indicates that medications like warfarin are harming the liver. Additionally, total protein and albumin levels are measured during liver function tests (usual range: 34 to 54 g/L). Albumin levels that drop are a sign of liver illness or injury. Furthermore, pain or bruising at the location of the blood draw is the primary risk related to liver function testing.

Similarities Between Lipid Profile and Liver Function Test

Blood tests can include lipid profiles and liver function tests.

  • When it comes to liver illnesses like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, there is a significant association between lipid function and the lipid profile test.
  • For patients with suspected liver issues, clinicians frequently advise lipid profile and liver function testing in tandem.
  • Both tests assess the level of biomolecules in the blood.
  • Both tests are quite affordable.
  • They are carried out by trained technicians in designated laboratories.

What is the Difference Between Lipid Profile and Liver Function Test?

A lipid profile test uses blood to detect abnormalities in lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals, whereas a liver function test uses blood to assess the general health of the patient’s liver. So, the main distinction between a lipid profile and a liver function test is this. Furthermore, a lipid profile test is primarily used to identify cardiovascular conditions, whereas a liver function test is used to identify conditions including cirrhosis, viral or alcohol-related hepatitis, and drug-induced liver damage.

While lipid panels are typically used by healthcare professionals for cholesterol screening or monitoring, they are also occasionally used as part of the treatment process for certain medical diseases that may impact your lipid levels, such as:

  • Pancreatitis
  • A chronic renal disease
  • Hypothyroidism

Your doctor can order a lipid panel blood test if you show symptoms of any of these illnesses.

Summary

Blood tests come in two varieties: lipid profiles and liver function tests. A liver function test measures the general health of the patient’s liver, whereas a lipid profile test looks for abnormalities in lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in blood samples from patients. The distinction between a lipid profile and a liver function test is so summarised in this way.

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