This branch of pathology involves the study and diagnosis of disease based on the examination of surgically removed bodily specimens or sometimes of the whole body (autopsy).
The hepatic function panel, also known as liver function tests, is a group of seven tests used to evaluate the liver for injury, infection, or inflammation. The liver plays important roles: It stores energy from food, makes proteins, and helps remove toxins.
A liver function panel test may be ordered when a patient shows symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice, nausea, or dark urine. Often a patient will be asked to fast prior to a liver function panel.