liver function tests simple explaination

Liver Function Test (LFT) – Simple Explanation

A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a blood test that helps check how healthy your liver is. It shows whether the liver is working properly or if there is any liver damage, infection, or inflammation.

Why Is Liver Function Test Done?

Doctors advise an LFT to:

• Check liver health

• Find the cause of symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain

• Diagnose liver diseases

• Monitor liver problems

• Check side effects of medicines

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver:

• Cleans toxins from blood

• Helps digest food

• Stores energy

• Produces important proteins

• Helps fight infections

If the liver is not working well, LFT values may become abnormal.

What Does an LFT Measure?

1️⃣ ALT (SGPT)

• Shows liver cell damage

• High value → liver injury

2️⃣ AST (SGOT)

• Also indicates liver damage

• Can increase in heart or muscle problems too

3️⃣ Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

• Related to bile flow

• High levels → bile blockage or liver disease

4️⃣ Bilirubin

• Causes yellow color of eyes and skin

• High level → jaundice or liver problem

5️⃣ Albumin

• A protein made by the liver

• Low level → liver not producing enough protein

6️⃣ Total Protein

• Shows overall protein levels in blood

• Helps assess nutrition and liver function

Normal LFT Values (Approximate)

Test

Normal Range

1.ALT

7–56 U/L

2.AST

10–40 U/L

3.ALP

44–147 U/L

4.Bilirubin

0.3–1.2 mg/dL

5.Albumin

3.5–5.0 g/dL

(Values may vary slightly by lab)

What Causes Abnormal LFT?

• Fatty liver

• Alcohol use

• Viral hepatitis

• Certain medicines

• Obesity

• Liver infections

Is LFT a Serious Test?

👉 No
It is a simple blood test, quick and safe.

Abnormal results do not always mean serious disease, but they need medical evaluation.

How to Prepare for LFT?

• Avoid alcohol before test

• Inform doctor about medicines

-medskology medical team

⚠️ Disclaimer

This information is for education only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.