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What Is Liver Function Test

A liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that evaluates the function of your liver, which can essentially reveal if there are any issues with normal liver function. The LFT blood test includes albumin, total protein, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), bilirubin, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Prothrombin time (PT).

If your LFT test results are abnormal, your doctor may order further testing to investigate the cause. It is essential to discuss your LFT results with your doctor to understand what they mean and whether further testing is required.

Types of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests, including albumin, test protein, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, LDH and PT, evaluate protein, liver enzyme and substance levels in the blood to assess liver health and diagnose conditions such as inflammation, damage, or obstruction. Abnormal results may indicate a variety of liver disorders, which prompt further investigation by your doctor.

Albumin Test: Assesses the liver's ability to produce this protein, which is essential for maintaining blood volume and transporting substances.
Protein Test: Measures the overall protein content in your blood, including albumin and globulins.
Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT): Measures the levels of ALT, an enzyme found in liver cells. High levels can indicate liver damage or inflammation.¹
Aspartate Aminotransferase Test (AST): Assesses the levels of AST, an enzyme present in the liver and other organs. Improved AST levels may indicate liver damage, but it is also found in other tissues.
Alkaline phosphatase Test (ALP): Measures the amount of ALP in your blood. Abnormal levels of ALP may suggest liver or bone problems. ²
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test (GGT): Measures the amount of GGT in the blood. It is an enzyme mostly found in the liver, although it is present throughout the body. High levels of GGT can indicate liver disease or bile duct problems. ³
Bilirubin test: Measures bilirubin levels, a yellow substance produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Higher bilirubin may indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct problems. ⁴
Lactate dehydrogenase Test (LDH): Measures levels of this enzyme, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
PT (Prothrombin time): Evaluates the liver's ability to produce clotting factors necessary for blood clot formation.

About the LFT Test

Learn everything about the LFT Profile Test, before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

Why Do Doctors Recommend LFT Blood Tests?

Liver function tests (LFTs) are routinely recommended by doctors for various reasons:

Routine Screening: LFTs are often included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) during routine checkups to screen for liver and other diseases even in the absence of symptoms.
Symptom Evaluation: If you experience the following symptoms suggestive of liver disease or damage, your doctor may order LFTs to assess liver function.

Nausea
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Weakness
Jaundice
Abdominal swelling or pain
Swelling in the ankles and legs
Dark-coloured urine
Light-coloured stool or frequent itching

Risk Assessment: Individuals with certain risk factors for liver damage, may be advised to undergo LFTs regularly. They are as follows:

Family history of liver disease
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Obesity
Diabetes
History of taking medications that may harm the liver

Hepatitis Evaluation: LFTs may be recommended for individuals with hepatitis or those exposed to hepatitis viruses to evaluate liver function and assess the extent of liver damage.
Monitoring Liver Disease: For individuals already diagnosed with liver disease, LFTs are essential for monitoring the progression of the condition and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

Hence a comprehensive liver profile test play a crucial role in diagnosing liver disorders, assessing liver function, and guiding appropriate management strategies, making them an essential tool in routine medical practice.

How To Prepare For Liver Function Blood Test?

The steps below help you ensure that your liver function blood test provides the most accurate information about your liver health.

Fasting requirements: Some Normal liver function tests may require fasting for a certain time before the test. Follow the doctor's instructions regarding the duration of fasting for the correct result.

Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.

Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing liver conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.

What Happens During LFT Testing?

A Liver Function Blood Test only takes a few minutes.

As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
They place a small bandage on the arm
These samples are then sent over to the laboratory for analysis of the levels of certain compounds, including albumin, test protein, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, LDH and PT.

Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.

Finding LFT Test

Should you book blood test online to check your Normal Liver function or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let's Find Out

Can I Take an LFT Blood Test At Home?

Yes, you can book a Liver Function Test online and take it at home.. HealthcareOnTime's at-home lab testing service, in association with thyroxine, provides a convenient and efficient way to get blood testing done from the comfort of your own home without the need for a doctor's visit or a trip to a lab. It's important to note that it's always a good idea to consult with an expert healthcare provider about any queries you may have about your test results.

How Much Does Liver Function Test Cost?

The LFT test price varies significantly depending on many factors:

Location: The best liver function test prices in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
Type of facility centres: The LFT test charge also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different LFT test prices. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
Other tests: LFT can be part of a larger panel of tests, such as a comprehensive Lipid panel. The overall cost may vary depending on the number and type of tests included in the panel.
Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall liver function test price.

Generally, the LFT test cost in India ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1800. The LFT blood charge may be higher for more comprehensive LFT panels if additional liver-related tests are required or if the patient requires specialised testing.

Test	Price (INR)
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT)	Rs. 200
Bilirubin - Total	Rs. 330
Albumin	Rs. 200
Total Protein	Rs. 200
L-lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)	Rs. 330
Prothrombin Time (PT)	Rs. 150-320

By opting for HealthcareOnTime lab test at-home facilities, you can access comprehensive Thyrocare Liver Test Packages. Ensure your well-being by incorporating Liverscreening tests into your routine health checkups with our convenient at-home testing services.

Package Type	Parameters Covered	Price (INR)
Liver Function Test (LFT Test)	12 parameters	Rs. 818

Test Results Interpretation

You received your LFT blood test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the LFT normal range.

What Is the LFT Test Normal Range?

The liver function test normal range varies depending on the laboratory, the individual's age and sex, and other factors. You need to consult your healthcare provider to understand which liver function test values are appropriate for an individual's situation.

AST/ALT Ratio is an Important Aspect of Liver Function Analysis ⁵

AST and ALT are two blood enzymes tested in liver function tests. Normally, the LFT normal range is >1. when everything is good with the liver, the ratio is < 1.
If you have liver problems because of heavy alcohol drinking, the AST: ALT ratio goes up. In particular, a ratio greater than 1 is found in 92 out of every 100 sufferers from alcoholic liver disease. In 70 out of every 100 patients, it is higher than 2.
Ratio > 2 ratio strongly suggests alcoholic liver disease, if the AST: ALT ratio is > 2, liver problems are much more likely to be about heavy alcohol use.

The AST to ALT ratio may provide additional information about the underlying cause of liver damage. Although this ratio is not diagnostic, it contributes to the overall interpretation of liver function tests. A high proportion may suggest alcohol-related liver disease, while a lower proportion may be associated with other liver problems.

Here are a few LFT test information with their normal and abnormal ranges:

Test	Normal Range	Diseases Diagnosed with Abnormal range
ALT - Alanine transaminase	0-45 [iu/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Cirrhosis Hepatitis Liver Cancer
AST - Aspartate transaminase	0–35 [iu/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Cirrhosis Steatohepatitis Liver damage from alcohol consumption Mononucleosis Hepatitis
ALP - Alkaline phosphate	30–120 [iu/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Hepatitis Cirrhosis Bone disease Mononucleosis Results that are lower than average indicate: Certain types of cancer Malnutrition Heart Failure
GGT - Gamma-glutamyltransferase	0–30 [iu/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Alcohol use disorder Hepatitis Cirrhosis Liver cancer Blocked bile duct Pancreatitis Diabetes Heart failure Mononucleosis
Bilirubin	2–17 [mcmol/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Mononucleosis Liver function has decreased, requiring additional tests
Albumin	40–60 [g/l]	Results that are higher than average indicate: Severe diarrhoea Dehydration Results that are lower than average indicate: Disease of kidney Infection Malnutrition Disease of Thyroid Cirrhosis
PT-Prothrombin time	10.9–12.5 seconds	Results that are higher than average indicate: Damaged liver function, requiring further testing Deficiencies in vitamin K Side effects of blood thinners Blood clotting disorders

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevated levels of LFT references in the blood indicate liver damage or disease. The most common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:

Fatty liver disease (alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related)
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis, and autoimmune
Hemochromatosis
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Cancer
Celiac disease
^{Liver Cirrhosis}
Liver failure
Hemolysis
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle conditions, like polymyositis
Thyroid disease
Wilson disease
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Primary biliary cirrhosis

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Decreased Liver Enzymes?

Low levels of LFT are common in most of the relevant markers but, in certain cases, might direct to one or multiple of the following problems:

Acute Liver Disease
Nephrotic Syndrome
Infection
Malnutrition
Malabsorption
Cancer
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Dehydration
Malfunction of the kidneys or liver
Chronic Inflammation
Bone Marrow Disorders

It is advised to show the LFT Blood test report to a healthcare professional and take advice on how to proceed further with a proper treatment plan.

Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Options

The liver performs hundreds of vital functions and is the primary location of detoxification activities in our body. The environment and lifestyle changes we make have a significant impact on how effectively and efficiently the liver functions. A healthy lifestyle is one of the main factors in preventing future liver illness and is also the primary line of treatment for many liver problems now.

Let's explore the easy, secure, and productive lifestyle changes that support better liver function and general well-being.

Maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease.
Eat a balanced diet, avoiding high-calorie meals, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugars.
Exercise regularly to burn triglycerides and reduce liver fat.
Limit exposure to toxins from cleaning products, insecticides, and chemicals.
Avoid smoking and use alcohol responsibly to prevent liver damage.
Do not use illicit drugs to protect liver health.
Avoid contaminated needles and seek medical care if exposed to blood.
Do not share personal hygiene items to prevent the spread of infections.
Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infections.
Follow medication directions carefully and avoid mixing drugs with alcohol.
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B to prevent viral hepatitis.

Fatty Liver Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Fatty Liver Disease

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How often should liver function be tested?

Frequency depends on individual health factors. Generally, regular testing every 6 to 12 months may be recommended, but those with liver conditions or risk factors may need to be assessed more frequently.

Can dehydration affect liver function test results?

Yes, dehydration can lead to concentrated urination, potentially affecting the accuracy of liver function tests. Staying hydrated ensures more reliable results.

Can LFT test will show fatty liver?

Liver function tests (LFTs) can help identify a variety of liver conditions, including fatty liver disease. But an LFT Blood Test alone cannot help properly diagnose fatty liver, and hence further testing is required to be certain.

Can a liver function test diagnose all liver conditions?

No, although liver function tests provide valuable information, they do not diagnose specific liver conditions. Further tests may be required for a comprehensive diagnosis. Liver function tests help to assess overall liver health and identify potential problems, requesting additional investigations.