The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates the health and functioning of the liver. It measures important liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels to detect liver injury, inflammation, bile duct problems, and changes in liver function.
This test helps assess conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, liver infections, alcohol-related liver damage, bile duct disorders, and other liver-related abnormalities.
1.Bilirubin Total, Serum
Checks how efficiently the liver removes waste products from the blood.
2.Bilirubin Direct, Serum
Bilirubin that the liver has already processed. Raised levels can point to a problem with bile flow.
3.Bilirubin Indirect, Serum
Bilirubin not yet processed by the liver, calculated from total and direct bilirubin.
4.SGOT / AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
Evaluates liver and muscle health. Elevated levels may suggest liver injury.
5.SGPT / ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
Measures liver cell damage. High levels may indicate hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
6.SGOT/SGPT Ratio
Compares AST and ALT levels. Doctors use it to understand the pattern of liver injury.
7.Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Serum
Helps detect bile duct obstruction and liver disorders.
8.GGTP / GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase)
Helps evaluate liver and bile duct health. Raised by alcohol use, some medicines and bile flow problems.
9.Total Proteins, Serum
Evaluates overall protein production by the liver.
10.Albumin, Serum
Measures protein produced by the liver, indicating liver function.
11.Globulin
Measures immune-related proteins produced in the body.
12.A/G Ratio (Albumin/Globulin Ratio)
Compares albumin and globulin levels to assess liver health.
Also known as: Liver Panel Test, Liver Profile Test, Hepatic Function Panel, LFT Blood Test
The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a group of blood tests designed to evaluate how well the liver is working. The liver performs several essential functions, including processing nutrients, removing toxins, producing proteins, and helping in digestion through bile production.
An LFT measures various markers that provide information about:
Doctors may recommend an LFT as part of routine health screening or when symptoms suggest possible liver problems.
The Liver Function Test evaluates different substances produced or processed by the liver.
Bilirubin tests (Total, Direct and Indirect):
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body through bile. Abnormal bilirubin levels may indicate:
A Liver Function Test may be recommended for:
The Liver Function Test requires a blood sample collected from a vein.
Before the test:
| Parameter | Normal range |
|---|---|
| Bilirubin Total | Approximately 0.3–1.2 mg/dL |
| Bilirubin Direct | Approximately 0.0–0.3 mg/dL |
| Bilirubin Indirect | Approximately 0.2–0.9 mg/dL |
| SGOT / AST | Approximately 10–40 U/L |
| SGPT / ALT | Approximately 7–56 U/L |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | Approximately 44–147 U/L |
| GGTP / GGT | Approximately 9–48 U/L |
| Total Protein | Approximately 6.0–8.3 g/dL |
| Albumin | Approximately 3.5–5.5 g/dL |
| Globulin | Approximately 2.0–3.5 g/dL |
| A/G Ratio | Approximately 1.0–2.5 |
| Note | Reference ranges may vary between laboratories based on testing methods, age, sex, and clinical conditions. Results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional. |
Reference ranges can differ between labs. Your report shows the range used by the lab.
A Liver Function Test is a blood test that evaluates liver health by measuring enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels related to liver function.
Fasting is not always required, but your doctor may recommend fasting if other tests are performed along with LFT.
High ALT levels may indicate liver cell injury, inflammation, fatty liver disease, infections, or medication-related liver effects.
High bilirubin levels may occur due to liver problems, bile duct blockage, infections, or increased breakdown of red blood cells.
| Test name | Liver Function Test (LFT) |
|---|---|
| Location | Chennai |
| Sample type | Blood |
| Number of parameters | 12 |
| Home sample collection | Available |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Report time | Within 12–24 hours |
| Recommended age | 5–99 years |
| Suitable for | Male & Female |
Liver enzymes (SGOT / AST and SGPT / ALT):
These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and GGTP:
These enzymes help evaluate bile duct function and may indicate problems related to bile flow or liver irritation.
Proteins (Albumin, Globulin, Total Protein and A/G Ratio):
These tests assess the liver's ability to produce important proteins required for maintaining body functions.
Doctors may recommend a Liver Function Test to:
The test may be advised if you experience:
Benefits of the Liver Function Test:
LFT can show liver enzyme abnormalities associated with fatty liver, but imaging tests such as ultrasound may also be needed for confirmation.
The frequency depends on your health condition, risk factors, medications, and doctor's recommendations.
Many liver conditions can improve with lifestyle changes, weight management, proper treatment, and avoiding factors that damage the liver.
