Liver and kidney blood tests measure a group of markers, not a diagnosis. I interpret the pattern, your symptoms, medicines, previous results and clinical history before deciding whether a result needs repeating, monitoring or further assessment.
Liver panels can include enzymes, bilirubin and proteins; kidney assessment commonly includes creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and electrolytes. Each result is one part of a wider clinical picture.
An abnormal value can arise from a temporary factor, a medicine, recent illness, hydration status or an underlying condition. That is why I do not advise self-diagnosis from a single number or from a reference range alone [2][3].
Written & reviewed by
Dr George XynopoulosMD, MRCP — Consultant Physician & Cardiologist
View full profileWhat Liver Blood Tests Can Show
A liver panel may include ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin, albumin and related measures. Different patterns can point clinicians towards different questions, but the blood test does not by itself identify every cause or measure the full severity of liver disease [2].
If a liver result is unexpected, I review symptoms, alcohol intake, medicines and supplements, medical history, prior results and the full pattern. The next step may be a repeat panel, targeted tests, imaging, GP review or specialist assessment.
What Kidney Function Tests Can Show
Kidney blood tests commonly look at creatinine, eGFR, urea and electrolytes. Results can be affected by hydration, muscle mass, acute illness and medicines as well as longer-term kidney function. A clinician may use urine testing and repeat measurements to clarify the picture [3].
One low eGFR result does not automatically establish chronic kidney disease. Persistence, trend and associated findings matter. If you have reduced urine output, severe swelling, confusion, chest pain, breathlessness or feel acutely unwell, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for routine follow-up.
Why Trends Matter More Than a Single Result
Reference intervals describe results seen in a reference population; they are not a personalised diagnosis. I compare current results with earlier values, symptoms and the reason for testing. This can help distinguish a transient change from a pattern needing attention.
Repeat testing should be planned around the clinical question. It may be appropriate after an illness resolves, after a medicine change, at a monitoring interval, or sooner if a clinician judges the result or symptoms to need prompt review.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Clarify the clinical question
I recommend deciding what you need the test to answer before selecting a panel or preparation plan.
Follow the specific instructions
Our team confirms fasting, timing and medicine instructions for the exact tests booked; do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to.
Put the result in context
A result is interpreted alongside symptoms, history, medicines and, where needed, earlier results rather than in isolation.
Agree the next step
The next step may be reassurance, repeat testing, a GP review, treatment monitoring or specialist assessment depending on the clinical picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]Lee L et al. Preparation for blood tests: what can go wrong before the sample reaches the lab. Australian Prescriber. 2025. DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2025.034.
- [2]Newsome PN et al. Guidelines on the management of abnormal liver blood tests. Gut. 2018;67:6-19. DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314924.
- [3]Li A et al. Patterns of follow-up testing of abnormal eGFR and UACR for the detection of chronic kidney disease in Australian primary care. BMJ Open. 2025. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-096730.
- [4]Soh SB, Aw TC. Laboratory testing in thyroid conditions: pitfalls and clinical utility. Annals of Laboratory Medicine. 2019;39:3-14. DOI: 10.3343/alm.2019.39.1.3.
Related Services at Victoria Medical