Hepatogram

Hepatogram is a medical term referring to a graphical representation of liver function. It is often used in the field of Hepatology, which is the branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders.

Overview

The liver is a vital organ that plays a key role in various metabolic processes including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. A hepatogram can provide valuable insights into the functioning of the liver and help diagnose various liver disorders.

Procedure

A hepatogram is typically created based on the results of a series of blood tests that measure levels of different substances in the blood, including:

• ALT (Alanine transaminase)
• AST (Aspartate transaminase)
• ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)
• Bilirubin
• Albumin
• PT (Prothrombin time)

These tests are collectively known as a liver function test.

Interpretation

The results of a hepatogram can help identify various liver disorders, such as:

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Autoimmune liver disease

The specific levels of the substances measured in the blood can indicate the type and severity of the liver disorder.

See also

• Hepatology
• Liver function tests
• Liver diseases