Bilirubin and Albumin tests.

[hcvJames]

There were numerous posts concerning bilirubin and albumin tests recently. I can understand, a little, the what and why of the measurement but am completely confused about the when, how often, and if there are routine tests, like CBC, that indicate a need for the B&A tests.
Are these test given if certain conditions are presents and not otherwise? In the discovery stages determining liver condition? and if good, never again?

[eureka254]

ALP is usually part of the liver function panel (LFT).  I would be surprised if your doctor was ordering ALT & AST individually, but it's possible.  Otherwise, it should be part of the the hepatic function panel at most laboratories.  

My husband does CBCs weekly but not the rest that frequently.  Because he's stage 4, on treatment and possibly eligible for TP they check his electrolytes & metabolics monthly, including albumin and bilirubin, but I'm not sure if it's really necessary for all people on treatment to check that frequently or at all if there is no liver damage.  

[hcvJames]

Unless tested prior to tx, I've never been tested for it. Pre-tx my records have a few gaps, after tx begins they are complete. I'm feeling a bit left out wondering if tx is lacking in some respect. Of the list you present above I've never been tested for ALP, the whole Electrolytes section, Glucose or Calcium. Maybe I'm making something out of nothing, just wondering. Thanks

[Trinity4]

James,

A comprehensive metabolic panel is commonly ordered by doctors which includes the following tests.  I have it once year now but during treatment my doctor ordered it often.

Glucose
Calcium
Both increased and decreased levels can be significant.

Proteins

Albumin
Total Protein
Albumin, a small protein produced in the liver, is the major protein in serum. Total protein measures albumin as well as all other proteins in serum. Both increases and decreases in these test results can be significant.

Electrolytes

Sodium
Potassium  
CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate)
Chloride
The concentrations of sodium and potassium are tightly regulated by the body as is the balance between the four molecules. Electrolyte (and acid-base) imbalances can be present with a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Chloride and CO2 tests are rarely ordered by themselves.

Kidney Tests

BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
Creatinine
BUN and creatinine are waste products filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Increased concentrations in the blood may indicate a temporary or chronic decrease in kidney function. When not ordered as part of the CMP, they are still usually ordered together.

Liver Tests

ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT)
AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT)
Bilirubin
ALP, ALT, and AST