A full liver screen is a blood test that looks at lots of different things linked to the liver. It can help to diagnose liver disease and other conditions that have similar symptoms.
You might also hear this called: non-invasive liver screen.
For many people the first test they have is a Liver blood test . This can suggest if there might be a liver problem. But it is not enough to make a diagnosis. So doctors might ask for more blood tests.
You might hear these called a full liver screen or a non-invasive liver screen. This is several different blood tests all done at the same time. Some of the tests look for problems with the liver. Others are used to rule out other conditions that can cause similar problems.
Exactly which tests someone has will depend on several things:
- the results of previous tests
- any symptoms
- any risk factors
- if there is a family history of liver disease
On this page:
Having the test
A full liver screen is a blood test. The blood will usually be taken from the arm.
Several tubes of blood might be taken. But labs can often use each tube for more than one test.
Depending on exactly which tests are needed, it might be necessary not to eat for 6 to 12 hours before the test.
Some medicines can change the test results. So make sure the medical team know about all of these. Including over the counter, natural and herbal medicines, and supplements.
You can find out more about each of the tests that might be included using the links below:
Clotting tests (PT, APTT, INR)
What do my full liver screen test results mean?
The blood test results will be compared to a reference range. Sometimes called a “normal range”. For most tests there is no set range for everyone. It is important to use the right reference range for the results. Ranges you can find online are not right for everyone. You can find out more about reference ranges here.
Individual tests only give part of the picture. To make a diagnosis, doctors will need to look at the results of all the tests together.
They might also ask for an imaging test or other liver disease tests.
Test results can be affected by other things including:
- if someone is male or female
- age
- pregnancy
- weight
- what someone eats
- if someone drinks alcohol
- other medical conditions
- medicines
- medical history
The medical team should take all these things into account when they look at the test results.
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How Liver UK can help
A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.
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This content was last reviewed: July 2025
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust and Dr Laura-Jane Armstrong, Associate GP, Avonside Health Centre. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
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