What is a liver function test (LFT)? 

Liver function tests, also called liver chemistries, help evaluate the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. They can also determine the progression or treatment of an existing disease.

​Depending upon the test, either higher-or lower-than-typical values of these enzymes or proteins can indicate a problem with your liver.

A LFT test means screening for diseases such as hepatitis, monitoring the side effects of your medications, and examining the severity of the liver disease.

What are the other names for a liver function test?

The other names for LFT test are LFT blood test, Liver profile, LFT test, Liver panel, Liver test and Hepatic panel.

What are the test parameters included in a liver function test (LFT)?

The liver function tests include: 

1. Alanine transaminase (ALT) 
2. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
4. Total Bilirubin TB
5. Direct Bilirubin DB.
6. Indirect Bilirubin IDB
7. Albumin (ALB)
8. Total Protein (TP)
9. Gamma - glutamyl transferase (GGT)

Why Is the LFT Test done?

The liver function test can be done for a variety of reasons such as to screen and monitor the treatment of liver infections such as hepatitis. Also, it can be used to monitor the progression of particular diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis or viral hepatitis. The results can show how the treatment process is working for the patient. In some cases, the LFT can be used for measuring the severity of certain diseases such as cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Apart from that, this test can also be done to monitor the side effects of different medications on a person. It can also help in checking the levels of proteins and enzymes in the blood.  

What does a Liver Function Test(LFT) measure?

As a panel test, liver function involves multiple measurements. When the test is ordered, doctors can modify exactly which measurements need to be done. For this reason, there is no universal standard for what is analysed on a liver panel. And nevertheless, some components of the test are more common. 

In most of the cases, a liver panel includes the following measurements: 

1. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): AST is an enzyme in your liver. High blood levels could be a sign of damage or disease.
2. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is another enzyme that helps break down proteins and is found mainly in your liver. High levels in your blood could mean you have liver damage.
3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme in your liver, bile ducts, and bones. You might have high values if you have liver damage or disease, and a blocked bile duct, or bone disease.
4. Bilirubin: Your body makes bilirubin when it breaks down red blood cells. Usually, your liver cleans up the bilirubin in your body. If you have high levels of a problem called jaundice, you may have liver damage.
5. Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver that prevents the fluid from leaking out of the bloodstream.
6. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): High levels of the GGT enzyme could point to liver or bile duct damage.
7. Total protein: This analyses the sum of two kinds of protein in the blood known as albumin and globulin. The test may analyse the relative levels of albumin and globulin, which is reported as the A/G ratio.
8. Globulins: Globulins are a class of proteins in the blood.

What condition / disease does the LFT test detect?

The liver function test can detect the presence of any liver disease in a patient. Some of these diseases and health conditions includes: 

1. Hepatitis
2. Liver damage
3. Alcoholic hepatitis
4. Jaundice
5. Liver cirrhosis, etc. 

Who should get a liver function test(LFT)?

Doctors use liver function tests to diagnose the health of a person’s liver. If the doctor suspects someone has liver disease or liver damage, they may perform one or more liver function tests to identify the underlying cause.

Symptoms of liver disease can include:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Loss of appetite.
3. Unintentional weight loss
4. Symptoms of pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.
5. Swelling in the feet, ankles, or calves
6. Jaundice, or yellowing eyes and skin
7. Dark urine
8. Alcohol use disorder
9. A family history of liver disease
10. History of intravenous drug use
11. Overweight or obese

What is the type of sample required for liver function test?

LFT test requires a blood sample.

What are the other tests booked along with LFT test?

The physician might decide to get you tested for hepatitis as well as other infections. There are other blood tests that the doctors might prescribe to find out the nature of hepatitis in a patient. They might also choose some imaging tests such as a CT scan or an ultrasound. In addition to that, the doctor might also recommend a liver biopsy in order to evaluate the liver condition further and check for fatty liver diseases or fibrosis. 

What should I expect during my liver function blood test?

1. The blood sample for liver function tests is usually drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. 
2. The needle is attached to a small tube to collect your blood. 
3. You may feel a quick pain as the needle is inserted into your arm and experience some short-term discomfort at the site after the needle is removed.

What should I expect after my liver function blood test?

After a healthcare provider has collected your blood sample, they’ll send it to a laboratory for testing. Once the test results are back, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

What are the preparations needed for the liver function test?

In some cases, you will be required to be fasting for up to 12 hours before the test. That means not eating any food or drinking any beverages besides water. 

In some cases, you may not be required to be fast. You can check with your doctor. 

Some medications can also affect the liver, so you will need to tell your doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and/or dietary supplements that you take.

Ask your doctor for details about pretest preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.

What are the risks of a liver function blood test?

These blood tests are very common and don’t carry any significant risks. You may have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise may develop there.

Limitations of the LFT test (Factors that may affect the results):

While mostly accurate, some factors can influence the results of your Liver Function Test. For instance, in case the liver is inflamed due to infection from toxic substances such as medication or alcohol or due to an immunity condition. Apart from that, damage to the liver cells can also cause abnormal results in the LFT. If your liver is working harder to process toxic substances such as paracetamol, alcohol, etc. the results could be inaccurate as well. In case the bile drainage from the liver is blocked due to a gallstone, it can impact the results of the LFT as well. 

When can I expect my liver function blood results?

The reports are available over email or WhatsApp within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample collection.

LFT test normal range: ​Values range for test result

Mentioned below are the results for the normal value range for LFT. 

1. The normal range of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is between 13 - 69 U/L 
2. The normal range of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is between 15 - 46 U/L
3. The normal range of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is between 38 - 126 U/L 
4. The normal range of Total Serum Protein is between 5.5 - 8.0 g/L 
5. The normal range of Albumin is between 3.5 - 5.0 g/L
6. The normal range of Globulin is between 2.0 - 3.5 g/L 
7. The normal range of Total Bilirubin is between 0.0 - 1.1mg/dL
8. The normal range of Conjugated bilirubin (direct) is between 0.0 - 0.3mg/dL 
9. The normal range of Unconjugated bilirubin (indirect) is between 0.0 - 1.1mg/dL
10. The normal range of GGT is between 9 - 48 U/L

What do the liver function test result mean?

Blood test reports, including liver function test, usually provide the following information:

1. The name of the blood test or what is being analysed in your blood
2. The value or measurement of your blood test result
3. The normal measurement range for that test
4. This information indicates if your result is normal or abnormal, high or low.

What is the cost of a liver function test?

Who performs a liver function blood test?

A LFT blood test is performed by a healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist and usually performs blood draws, including those for random blood sugar tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. Usually, the samples are sent to a lab, where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on analyzers or manually.

Why choose Orange Health?

When it comes to choosing a healthcare and diagnostic testing service provider, there is no better choice than Orange Health. We provide you with the opportunity to book your blood tests and other diagnostic tests online from the comfort of your home. Choose our services today and you will be benefited for sure.

How to book a LFT test at home?

Submit your details and book a LFT test with Orange Health. Our highly trained, professionals and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.

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