Liver Function Test (LFT)

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Test Overview

Sample Type	Blood
Reports Delivery	10 Hrs
Price/Cost	₹800
Number of Tests Included	10

What is a Liver Function Test?

A liver function test, often referred to as an LFT test or LFT function test, is a standard diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the condition of your liver. It aids in determining whether your liver is functioning optimally or if there are any indications of damage or inflammation. This test examines different markers in the blood, including proteins, enzymes, and substances that are metabolized or manufactured by the liver.

The top LFT tests are available in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Chennai.

Doctors often recommend a comprehensive liver profile test for those with a family history of liver disorders. The results of the test provide the doctors with valuable insights about your liver health, helping them diagnose potential issues and devise appropriate treatment strategies.

What is the Liver Function Test Price?

The LFT liver function test is generally affordable. However, understanding the key factors that impact the liver function test cost can assist you well in navigating your healthcare journey. Variations in the liver function test normal price range can be attributed to the following factors:

• Lab Quality: The quality of the lab you choose impacts your liver test cost. Labs known for their international testing standards and credibility may have slightly higher prices.
• Test Demand: Like any other service, the LFT test price can fluctuate based on demand and availability. In cities where demand is high, the liver function test cost may be slightly higher. You can check the liver profile test price across cities and compare the LFT test price near you to get the best deal.
• Inclusions/ Additional charges: The liver profile test cost generally includes various elements such as the doctor’s professional fee, laboratory charges, and additional costs if you opt for home sample collection. It’s recommended to clarify what’s included in the final liver test cost before paying.
• Promotions and Discounts: Some healthcare providers might offer discounts or deals such as bundled packages for diagnostic tests that could lower the overall test expense.

Apollo 24|7 offers competitive pricing for the liver profile test without compromising on service quality. It is advisable to compare the prices of the test in different cities before scheduling one. For more on liver profile test cost explore Apollo 24|7 app.

What is the Purpose of a Liver Function Test?

By assessing the levels of various proteins and enzymes in the liver, the LFT liver test aids medical professionals in identifying if there are any potential issues with it. Here are some of the primary purposes of conducting an LFT function test:

• Evaluating overall liver health: The LFT test is not just about diagnosing diseases; it provides a comprehensive look at your overall liver health. It does so by measuring different components present in the liver like proteins and enzymes.
• Identifying diseases: Your doctor might recommend this test if you’re experiencing symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, or sudden weight loss. Whether it’s hepatitis, cirrhosis, or any other type of liver disease, the test can provide vital insights. By conducting an LFT test, doctors can identify these conditions early on and start appropriate treatment, thus improving the patient’s prognosis significantly.
• Monitoring medication effects: Certain medications may have detrimental effects on your liver health. A liver profile test helps monitor these effects, ensuring that any adverse reaction can be managed efficiently.
• Treatment Monitoring: Once diagnosed with a liver condition, your doctor will likely keep track of your recovery progress by recommending a liver function test periodically. It helps determine whether a course of treatment is effective or needs adjustment.
• Providing Preventive Guidelines: The outcomes help doctors recommend lifestyle adjustments, and propose supplementary interventions for optimal liver health.

Who Should Get a Liver Function Test Done?

Anyone can undergo a liver function test procedure if they suspect that their abnormal liver function might be causing health issues. Here are some specific groups of people for whom the LFT test could be beneficial:

• People with Liver Diseases: If you’ve already been diagnosed with a liver disease, regular LFT liver test can be beneficial in monitoring the progression of the disease and assessing how well your treatment plan is working.
• Individuals With Symptoms of Liver Disease: If you experience symptoms such as nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), abdominal swelling or pain, swelling in ankles and legs, dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stool or frequent itching, you should consider getting an LFT test done.
• Individuals In High-Risk Category: Individuals with a family history of liver disorders, those suffering from alcohol use disorder or obesity, people exposed to hepatitis virus, and those on medications like ibuprofen (NSAIDs) and steroids that may cause liver damage are recommended to undergo liver function test procedure regularly.
• People with Specific Medical Conditions: People with conditions like high triglyceride levels in blood, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure (hypertension), anaemia, and gallbladder disease should consider taking regular liver profile tests.

If you notice any of the symptoms, or if you belong to the high-risk category for liver diseases, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor and consider undergoing the liver function test. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions.

Components of a Liver Function Test

A LFT function test comprises several individual assessments, which can provide a more detailed understanding of your overall liver health and guide better management strategies.

• Bilirubin, Total-Serum: Bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, is crucial for waste removal. The test assesses the overall bilirubin levels in the bloodstream, including both conjugated and unconjugated forms.
• Bilirubin CONJUGATED (Direct), SERUM: This variant of bilirubin undergoes liver processing and is water soluble. High levels might signify liver or gallbladder problems.
• Bilirubin (Indirect): Indirect bilirubin, derived from red blood cell breakdown, is transported to the liver for conjugation. It binds to albumin to prevent toxicity. A high indirect bilirubin level can be an indicator of certain types of anaemia.
• ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT/SGPT), SERUM: It is an enzyme found mostly in the liver and heart. Elevated levels may suggest liver damage.
• ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST/SGOT), SERUM: This enzyme is found in the liver, heart and muscles. The AST/SGOT test checks for damage to cells in your liver and other body parts.
• ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, SERUM: The enzyme helps break down proteins in the body. Elevated levels could indicate conditions like liver damage, blockage in bile ducts or even bone diseases.
• Protein, Total-Serum: This test measures the combined amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin. Unusual levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting protein production and breakdown.
• Albumin, Serum: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Abnormal albumin levels might indicate chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or other conditions that affect liver function.
• Globulin: This protein, produced by the liver, is crucial for liver function, blood clotting, and immune responses. Testing its levels helps assess liver health and diagnose conditions such as liver disease or immune disorders.
• A/G Ratio: The Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio evaluates the proportion of albumin to globulin protein in the bloodstream. It aids in evaluating liver, kidney, and immune system health.

Having one or more abnormal test results doesn’t necessarily signify that you have liver disease. Further testing may be needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Liver Function Test Report

Information about the liver function test normal range is essential for early detection of liver disorders. Regular checks and monitoring of the range in your liver function test report are essential to prevent complications associated with impaired liver functioning. Below are the desirable, high and low ranges of the LFT test:

Test	Desirable Range	High	Low
Bilirubin, Total-Serum	0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL	>1.2 mg/dL	<0.1 mg/dL
Bilirubin CONJUGATED (Direct), Serum	0.3 mg/dL	>0.3 mg/dL	<0.3 mg/dL
Bilirubin (Indirect)	0.2 and 1.1 mg/dL	>1.1 mg/dL	<0.2 mg/dL
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT/SGPT), SERUM	21 to 72 U/L	>72 U/L	<21 U/L
ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST/SGOT), SERUM	17 to 59 U/L	>59 U/L	<17 U/L
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, SERUM	38 to 126 IU/L	>126 IU/L	<38 IU/L
Protein, Total-Serum	6.3 to 8.2 g/dL	>8.2 g/dL	<6.3 g/dL
Albumin, Serum	3.5 to 5.5 g/dL	>5.5 g/dL	<3.5 g/dL
Globulin	2.0 to 3.5 g/dL	>3.5 g/dL	<2.0 g/dL
A/G Ratio	0.9 to 2.2	>2.2	<0.9

Note: The values of these tests can vary depending on the laboratory, age, sex and underlying conditions.

The abnormal values in the liver function test report indicate various liver disorders that can affect your overall well-being. Let’s take a look at various disorders indicated by low and high values in the LFT liver test!

Bilirubin, Total-Serum

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease marked by scarring, impaired function, and potential liver failure Alcoholic liver disease, gallstones, and anaemia Gilbert’s syndrome, an inherited disorder causing mild jaundice due to impaired bilirubin processing by the liver Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, which often results from viral infection, alcohol abuse, or autoimmune disorders	Not a typical concern but excessively low bilirubin may be seen in autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Bilirubin CONJUGATED (Direct), Serum

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
A problem in the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin due to bile duct obstruction Hepatitis Cirrhosis Cholestasis, which may result in jaundice and itching	Unusually low levels might indicate genetic conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism or rare liver disorders

Bilirubin (Indirect)

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Haemolytic anaemia in which red blood cells break down faster than they’re replenished, causing anaemia Gilbert’s syndrome Hepatitis Cirrhosis Conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism	Not a typical concern but excessively low levels may signal rare liver disorders

ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT/SGPT), SERUM

High values may indicate

Low values may indicate

Liver injury or inflammation Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease Conditions such as haemochromatosis (a genetic disorder resulting in excess iron absorption, leading to organ damage) Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder causing copper accumulation in the body, leading to liver and brain damage Certain medications such as antibiotics and painkillers may also lead to liver damage and raise ALT/SGPT levels

While it is less common, excessively low levels can indicate malnutrition or severe liver disease

ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST/SGOT), SERUM

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Increased levels are often associated with tissue damage, particularly in the liver, heart, or muscles	Low levels may not always signal a problem. However, excessively low levels might occur due to malnutrition and severe liver disorders

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, SERUM

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Hepatitis Cirrhosis Risk of liver cancer Obstruction of the bile ducts Bone disorders	Unusually low levels might suggest conditions affecting liver function or bone metabolism.

Protein, Total-Serum

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Cirrhosis, hepatitis, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders Increased risk of cancers like multiple myeloma affecting plasma cells, leading to bone weakening Certain lymphomas that result in lymph node enlargement and affect bone marrow	Inadequate protein intake or malabsorption of nutrients Liver dysfunction Kidney disorders Genetic disorders

Albumin, Serum

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and excessive dehydration.	Cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver failure High risk of cancers, particularly those affecting the liver or lymphatic system Malnutrition or malabsorption of nutrients

Globulin

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Chronic infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or autoimmune hepatitis Inflammatory disorders may also lead to elevated globulin levels	Primary immunodeficiency disorders affecting the immune system Rare genetic disorders affecting protein synthesis or metabolism.

A/G Ratio

High values may indicate	Low values may indicate
Chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases.	Cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure, kidney failure, and malnutrition.

NOTE: Self-diagnosis without medical expertise can cause further health issues. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for further evaluation and management based on individual conditions and factors.

Preparation and Procedure for Liver Function Blood Test

Preparing for an LFT function test is extremely simple. The liver function test procedure involves a standard blood sample collection. It is a routine test that poses minimal risk.

How is the Liver Function Test Done?

Undergoing an LFT test is generally a straightforward procedure.

• A doctor or trained healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a fine needle.
• This process involves disinfecting the insertion site with an antiseptic and subsequently inserting a needle to draw the blood sample. This blood sample is then collected into a vial or test tube for analysis.
• While you may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted into your skin, the process is usually quick, typically lasting less than five minutes.
• Occasionally, you might notice some pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, but these symptoms resolve quickly.
• The test results are available within 6 hours of the test, allowing prompt follow-up with the doctor based on your liver function test report.

Is Fasting Required for a Liver Function Test?

Usually, no special preparation like fasting is required for most components of an LFT function test. However, some doctors may recommend you to fast overnight before the test. This means avoiding eating or drinking anything except water for 8-12 hours before your scheduled test time.

Following your doctor’s instructions about fasting before the LFT liver function test is critical to obtain accurate test results.

What Time of the Day Should I Undergo a Liver Function Test?

For an accurate liver function test report, it’s necessary to get LFT liver test done at the right time.

• Generally, doctors recommend getting a liver profile test done in the morning.
• Key components of the LFT function test such as Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are at their highest concentration in the bloodstream in the early hours of the day.
• Each individual’s body clock may vary slightly due to factors like sleep cycle, diet, and exercise routine. Therefore it’s important to discuss the best timing for an LFT liver test with your doctor.

How Frequently Should I Undergo a Liver Function Test?

The frequency of the LFT liver function test could vary depending on individual health conditions, medical history, treatment regimens, and other risk factors.

• Typically, for individuals without known liver problems frequent liver profile testing isn’t necessary unless specific symptoms or risk factors warrant an evaluation.
• Regular monitoring might be needed if you’re at risk or have a history of liver disease. Individuals in the high-risk category should undergo an LFT test once a year.
• Individuals diagnosed with chronic liver disease might require an LFT liver function test every 3 to 6 months to track liver function and modify treatment.