Liver Function Test (LFT) – Simple Explanation
Liver Function Test (LFT) – Simple Explanation
reviewed by-medskology medical team
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.
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?
Why Is Liver Function Test Done?
Doctors advise an LFT to:
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?
What Does the Liver Do?
The liver:
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.
If the liver is not working well, LFT values may become abnormal.
What Does an LFT Measure?
What Does an LFT Measure?
1️, ALT (SGPT)
1️, ALT (SGPT)
- Shows liver cell damage
- High value → liver injury
2️. AST (SGOT)
2️. AST (SGOT)
- Also indicates liver damage
- Can increase in heart or muscle problems too
3️. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
3️. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Related to bile flow
- High levels → bile blockage or liver disease
4️. Bilirubin
4️. Bilirubin
- Causes yellow color of eyes and skin
- High level → jaundice or liver problem
5️. Albumin
5️. Albumin
- A protein made by the liver
- Low level → liver not producing enough protein
6️. Total Protein
6️. Total Protein
- Shows overall protein levels in blood
- Helps assess nutrition and liver function
Normal LFT Values (Approximate)
Normal LFT Values (Approximate)
Test
Test
Normal Range
Normal Range
1.ALT
1.ALT
7–56 U/L
7–56 U/L
2.AST
2.AST
10–40 U/L
10–40 U/L
3.ALP
3.ALP
44–147 U/L
44–147 U/L
4.Bilirubin
4.Bilirubin
0.3–1.2 mg/dL
0.3–1.2 mg/dL
5.Albumin
5.Albumin
3.5–5.0 g/dL
3.5–5.0 g/dL
(Values may vary slightly by lab)
(Values may vary slightly by lab)
What Causes Abnormal LFT?
What Causes Abnormal LFT?
- Fatty liver
- Alcohol use
- Viral hepatitis
- Certain medicines
- Obesity
- Liver infections
Is LFT a Serious Test?
Is LFT a Serious Test?
No
It is a simple blood test, quick and safe.
No
It is a simple blood test, quick and safe.
Abnormal results do not always mean serious disease, but they need medical evaluation.
Abnormal results do not always mean serious disease, but they need medical evaluation.
How to Prepare for LFT?
How to Prepare for LFT?
- Avoid alcohol before test
- Inform doctor about medicines
-medskology medical team
-medskology medical team
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
This information is for education only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
This information is for education only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.