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LFT (Liver Function Test)

Also known as Hepatic function test, Liver panel test, Liver function panel, Liver profile test

LFT (Liver Function Test) Includes 11 testsView All

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This test is for

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding LFT (Liver Function Test)

What is LFT (Liver Function Test)?

An LFT (Liver Function Test) comprises a group of blood tests measuring the level of various liver enzymes and proteins. It helps assess the liver’s overall health, diagnose and monitor potential liver disease or damage, track the treatment response for known liver problems, and determine if dosage adjustments are needed for medicines that may affect the liver. LFT is often done as part of routine preventive checkups.

Doctors may advise an LFT when symptoms include chronic fatigue, belly pain, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Furthermore, risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease may also warrant an LFT. Getting your LFT done regularly is recommended, regardless of the symptoms, as most individuals with liver disease do not show any symptoms in the early stages.

No special preparation is required for this test. Please inform your doctor about all your medications or supplements, as they may require dosage adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test. Lab test results may vary across laboratories due to differences in methodologies and reference ranges. Interpretation of the test results requires professional expertise. Do not self-medicate based on these test results, and consult your doctor to understand them correctly.

Liver diseases may affect 1 in 5 Indians*. Early detection can help avert complications, increase chances of treatment success, and ensure speedy recovery.

So, book a test now! Choose Tata 1mg Labs for reliable testing and take charge of your health. Offering accurate results, affordable pricing, and quick turnaround times, we ensure a hassle-free experience.!

Some Tips For a Healthy Liver

Limit processed foods and eat a balanced diet.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly and manage stress.
Avoid self-medication, and consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements or over-the-counter drugs.
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
Schedule regular liver function tests (LFT) every 6-12 months.

What are the benefits of the LFT test?

Analyzing the likely type of ailment and possible causes
Examining the severity or stage of the ailment

What is LFT (Liver Function Test) used for?

An LFT (Liver Function Test) is done:

As part of a routine health checkup.
To diagnose or measure the progression of liver diseases, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
To monitor the treatment response of existing liver disease.
To monitor the effects of certain medications like penicillin, tetracycline, valproic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and high doses of paracetamol, as these may affect your liver function.
To monitor for alcohol abuse.

What does LFT (Liver Function Test) measure?

Contains 11 tests

An LFT (Liver Function Test) helps determine the health of your liver by measuring various components like enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin. These components help detect inflammation, infection, diseases, etc., of the liver and monitor the damage due to liver-related issues.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in various organs, with the highest concentration in the liver. Usually, this enzyme is present in low levels in the blood. However, when there is liver damage or disease, GGT is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in GGT levels. In addition to the liver, GGT can also be elevated in conditions affecting the bile ducts or the pancreas. It is usually, the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when there is any damage or obstruction in the bile duct, making it one of the most sensitive liver enzyme tests for detecting bile duct problems.

Know more about Gamma Glutamyl Transferase

SGPT

An SGPT test measures the amount of ALT or SGPT enzyme in your blood. ALT is most abundantly found in the liver but is also present in smaller amounts in other organs like the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Its primary function is to convert food into energy. It also speeds up chemical reactions in the body. These chemical reactions include the production of bile and substances that help your blood clot, break down food and toxins, and fight off an infection.

Elevated levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage or injury. When the liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, causing an increase in ALT levels. Therefore, the SGPT/ALT test is primarily used to assess the liver's health and to detect liver-related problems such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or other liver disorders.

Know more about SGPT

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the quantity of ALP enzyme present throughout the body. The main sources of this enzyme are the liver and bones. It exists in different forms depending on where it originates, such as liver ALP, bone ALP, and intestinal ALP. In the liver, it is found on the edges of the cells that join together to form bile ducts.

ALP levels can be increased during pregnancy as it is found in the placenta of pregnant women. It is also higher in children because their bones are in the growth phase. ALP is often high during growth spurts (a short period when an individual experiences quick physical growth in height and body weight).

Know more about Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

SGOT

An SGOT test measures the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme produced by the liver. SGOT is present in most body cells, most abundantly in the liver and heart. The primary function of this enzyme is to convert food into glycogen (a form of glucose), which is stored in the cells, primarily the liver. The body uses this glycogen to generate energy for various body functions.

Know more about SGOT

Protein Total, Serum

The Protein Total, Serum test measures the amount of proteins in the body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of all cells and tissues. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of most of your organs and in making enzymes and hormones. There are two types of proteins found in the body, namely albumin and globulin. About 60% of the total protein is made up of albumin, which is produced by the liver. It helps to carry small molecules such as hormones, minerals, and medicines throughout the body. It also serves as a source of amino acids for tissue metabolism. On the other hand, globulin is a group of proteins that are made by the liver and the immune system. They play an important role in liver functioning, blood clotting, and fighting off infections.

Know more about Protein Total, Serum

This further contains

Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Serum
Globulin, Serum
Serum Albumin
Protein Total

Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)

The Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test measures the level of three forms of bilirubin such as total bilirubin, direct (conjugated bilirubin), and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood. Total bilirubin represents the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is the water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver via a conjugation process with glucuronic acid and is ready to be excreted into the bile ducts and ultimately into the intestines. Indirect bilirubin is the water-insoluble form of bilirubin that has not yet been processed by the liver and is bound to albumin in the blood. It is formed in the spleen and liver during the breakdown of hemoglobin from old or damaged red blood cells and cannot be excreted directly by the liver. Instead, it is transported to the liver, where it undergoes conjugation to become direct bilirubin.

Getting tested with the Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test provides valuable information into various aspects of liver function, bile duct health, and the body’s ability to break down and eliminate bilirubin.

Know more about Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)

This further contains

Bilirubin Indirect
Bilirubin Direct
Bilirubin Total

Interpreting LFT (Liver Function Test) results

Interpretations

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

The normal ALT levels range from 0-35 U/L.

Lower ALT levels indicate a healthy liver; however, lower levels can also be seen in patients with malnutrition.

A mild to moderate increase in ALT levels is seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, bile duct obstruction, liver trauma, or any physical injury, or patients taking certain medicines that are harmful to the liver.

A high increase in ALT levels is seen in patients with acute hepatitis like viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) or in patients who have taken very high doses of some medicines like paracetamol.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

The normal AST test results range from 0-35 U/L.

Lower levels of AST in the blood are considered normal, although very low levels are seen in cases of alcoholic liver disease and malnutrition.

High levels of AST are seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease (AST often increases much more than ALT), cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, bile duct obstruction, liver trauma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) and in patients taking medicines that are harmful to the liver or taking very high doses of some medicines like paracetamol. High levels of AST are also seen in patients with heart attack and muscle injury (however, ALT levels are normal in these patients). A high level of AST with normal levels of ALT indicates that the source of AST is not the liver.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

The normal level of ALP in the blood is 13-100 μ/L

High levels of ALP are seen in patients with bile duct obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and in liver cancer.

High levels of ALP are also seen in growing children and pregnant women and are considered normal.

Low levels of ALP are seen in patients with malnutrition and certain genetic disorders. ALP levels also decrease temporarily after heart surgery and blood transfusion.

Total Serum Protein

The normal level of Total protein in blood is 5.5-8.0 g/dL.

Albumin & Globulin

The normal level of Albumin is 3.5-5.5 g/dL, approximately 50-60%, and that of Globulin is 2.0-3.5 g/dL, approximately 40-50%. a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1.

Albumin: Low levels indicate that you may suffer from a disorder where the protein isn't synthesized, digested, or absorbed properly. Lower levels are seen in patients with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, inflammatory liver diseases like hepatitis, and hepatocellular necrosis. Higher levels are seen in liver infections like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. High levels may also be seen if you are having a protein-rich diet or if you are dehydrated.

Globulin: Low levels are seen in patients with malnutrition. High levels are seen in chronic active hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis. It is also increased in acute infection and chronic inflammatory diseases.

A/G Ratio: A low A/G ratio is indicative of overproduction of globulin and reduced production of albumin, which occurs with liver cirrhosis. A high A/G ratio often suggests the decreased production of globulins and is seen in some genetic diseases or leukemia.

Bilirubin

The normal level of Total Bilirubin in the blood is 0.3-1.0mg/dL.

The normal level of conjugated bilirubin (direct) is 0.1-0.3mg/dL.

The normal level of unconjugated bilirubin (indirect) is 0.2-0.7mg/dL.

The lower levels are usually not a concern.

Unconjugated Bilirubin: Higher levels of unconjugated bilirubin are seen in patients with jaundice, acute hepatocellular damage, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, bile duct obstruction, liver failure, and in conditions involving an unusual amount of RBC destruction (hemolysis). Increased levels are also commonly seen in newborns, typically 1 to 3 days old. If the bilirubin levels do not return to normal and are increasing rapidly, this may indicate neonatal jaundice.

Higher unconjugated bilirubin levels compared to conjugated bilirubin are suggestive of transfusion reactions and cirrhosis.

Conjugated bilirubin: Higher levels of conjugated bilirubin are seen in patients with hepatitis, gallstones, or inflammation of the bile duct (the duct that carries bile from the liver to the gut).

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)

The normal level of GGT in the blood is 9-48 U/L.

High levels of GGT are seen in patients with obstructive liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, cholestasis, alcoholic liver disease, and liver tumors, and in case the patient is taking medicines like phenobarbitone, phenytoin, paracetamol and antidepressants. The low levels of GGT in the blood indicate the absence of liver disease and confirm no alcohol consumption.

There are other conditions as well in which high GGT levels are seen as heart failure, pancreatitis, or diabetes. GGT levels are measured along with ALP. If both enzymes are elevated, it indicates liver disease. If GGT is normal and ALP is elevated, it indicates an underlying bone disease.

Note: Your doctor will interpret your results depending on your gender, age, medications/treatment, or diet you are taking.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LFT (Liver Function Test)

Frequently Asked Questions about LFT (Liver Function Test)

Q. What is the full form of LFT?

LFT stands for Liver Function Test which measures different components released by the liver to determine liver health.

Q. What is an LFT (Liver Function Test) used for?

An LFT (Liver Function Test) is a group of blood tests that provide information about how well your liver is functioning. The test is also used to diagnose various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and fatty liver diseases. It also determines your response to liver disease treatment.

Q. Is fasting required before an LFT (Liver Function Test)?

No, fasting is not required before taking an LFT (Liver Function Test). You can eat or drink as per your daily routine.

Q. What factors can affect my LFT (Liver Function Test) results?

Factors such as alcohol consumption, a high dose of paracetamol or some other medicines, an autoimmune condition, or any traumatic liver injury can affect your LFT (Liver Function Test) results.

Q. What do the elevated levels of an LFT (Liver Function Test) mean?

The elevated levels of an LFT (Liver Function Test) indicate that a person has an inflamed or damaged liver.

Q. What are the early signs of an unhealthy liver?

Yellowing of skin and eyes, belly pain, swelling in legs and ankles, weakness, lethargy, itchy skin, dark urine, and pale stools are some of the early signs of an unhealthy liver.

Q. What can cause a fatty liver?

Consuming excess calories can cause fat to build up in the liver. When the liver does not process and break down fats, it can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver (fatty liver). You may also develop fatty liver in certain other conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides, and with too much alcohol use.

Q. How can I keep my liver healthy?

You can keep your liver healthy by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as avoiding alcohol or drinking only in moderate amounts, regularly exercising, maintaining healthy body weight, and eating nutrient-rich food such as berries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, whole grains, and nuts.

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