Does a hepatic function panel lab test detect hepatitis C?

Not directly. It only identifies potential damage to a liver.

LFT's (Liver Function Tests) only give a snapshot of certain liver enzymes that can detect a potentially (or continuously watch the function of a) damaged liver. A special Hep C panel must be ordered if there is an elevation in LFT's and no cause has been identified. If a patient is concerned about Hep C and is at high-risk for contracting the virus, a Hep C panel is ordered along with LFT's.