The Liver Function Extended Panel (LFT Extended) is a comprehensive blood test that provides a detailed evaluation of liver health, liver cell injury, bile flow, and the liver's ability to produce essential proteins.
This advanced liver profile includes liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, protein markers, and LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) to help detect and monitor conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, liver inflammation, bile duct disorders, medication-related liver injury, and other liver 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)
An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. Elevated levels may indicate liver cell injury or damage.
5.SGPT / ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
Primarily associated with liver cells. Increased levels may indicate liver inflammation or injury.
6.SGOT/SGPT Ratio
The AST/ALT ratio helps doctors interpret patterns of liver enzyme elevation and the possible cause of liver abnormalities.
7.Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Serum
Helps assess bile duct function and may increase when there is an obstruction or irritation affecting bile flow.
8.GGTP / GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase)
Helps evaluate liver and bile duct health and may be affected by alcohol use, medications, and bile duct conditions.
9.LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
An enzyme found in many body tissues. It may increase due to tissue injury, inflammation, or certain liver-related conditions.
10.Total Proteins, Serum
Evaluates overall protein production by the liver.
11.Albumin, Serum
Measures protein produced by the liver, indicating liver synthetic function.
12.Globulin
Measures immune-related proteins produced in the body.
13.A/G Ratio (Albumin/Globulin Ratio)
Compares albumin and globulin levels to assess liver health.
Also known as: Extended Liver Function Test, Advanced Liver Profile Test, Comprehensive Liver Panel, LFT Extended Blood Test
The Liver Function Extended Panel is an expanded version of a routine Liver Function Test. It evaluates multiple markers that provide deeper insights into liver function and possible liver damage.
The liver performs several vital functions, including:
Changes in liver enzymes, bilirubin, proteins, or LDH levels may indicate liver stress, inflammation, obstruction, or reduced liver function. This test is useful for routine monitoring as well as evaluating suspected liver-related conditions.
The panel measures several important liver-related markers:
Bilirubin tests (Total, Direct and Indirect):
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down. The liver processes bilirubin and removes it through bile. Abnormal bilirubin levels may be associated with:
A Liver Function Extended Panel may be recommended for:
The 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 |
| SGOT/SGPT Ratio | Approximately 0.8–1.5 |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | Approximately 44–147 U/L |
| GGTP / GGT | Approximately 9–48 U/L |
| LDH | Approximately 140–280 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 depending 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 Extended Panel is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates liver enzymes, bilirubin, proteins, and LDH to assess liver health and detect possible liver abnormalities.
An Extended LFT includes additional markers such as LDH and provides a broader evaluation of liver function compared with a standard liver profile.
Fasting requirements depend on the additional tests included. Follow your laboratory or doctor's instructions.
High ALT or AST levels may indicate liver cell injury, inflammation, fatty liver disease, infections, or medication-related effects.
| Test name | Liver Function Extended Panel (LFT Extended) |
|---|---|
| Location | Chennai |
| Sample type | Blood |
| Number of parameters | 13 |
| Home sample collection | Available |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Report time | Within 12–24 hours |
| Recommended age | 5–99 years |
| Suitable for | Male & Female |
Liver enzymes:
Bile flow markers:
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase):
LDH is an enzyme found in many body tissues. It may increase due to tissue injury, inflammation, or certain liver-related conditions.
Protein markers (Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin and A/G Ratio):
These markers evaluate the liver's ability to produce important proteins. They help assess liver synthetic function, nutritional status, and chronic liver conditions.
Doctors may recommend a Liver Function Extended Panel to:
The test may be advised if you experience:
Benefits of the Liver Function Extended Panel:
LDH helps identify tissue injury and provides additional information when evaluating possible liver or other cellular damage.
Liver Function Extended Panel can show liver enzyme changes associated with fatty liver, but imaging tests such as ultrasound may also be required for confirmation.
Testing frequency depends on your health status, risk factors, medications, and your doctor's recommendation.
