Test library
Liver Function Test
A liver function test panel measures enzymes and proteins that reflect liver activity, helping evaluate liver health when symptoms, medicines, or other conditions raise concern.
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Order Online Liver Function Test (LFT Test)- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $49
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Liver Function Test is a blood panel that measures several enzymes and proteins linked to the liver. It is one of the most commonly ordered sets of tests because it can show whether liver cells are irritated, whether bile flow may be obstructed, and how well the liver is carrying out its normal jobs. It is used for general health screening, before or during certain treatments, and when symptoms or risk factors point to the liver.
What this test measures
Liver function tests combine several measurements into a picture of liver activity. Enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT tend to rise when liver cells are stressed or bile flow is obstructed, while albumin and total protein reflect the liver's synthetic work. Bilirubin shows how the liver is processing a waste product made from old red blood cells.
The panel is drawn from a routine blood sample, usually a venous draw from the arm. Some laboratories report a standard set of six to eight markers, while others include additional values such as LDH or direct bilirubin. Results are reported with reference ranges, which can vary between laboratories and populations.
Tests may be ordered during a routine checkup, before starting a medicine that can affect the liver, or when a person has fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, or a known liver condition. Because abnormal results have many possible explanations, a qualified healthcare provider interprets them alongside symptoms, imaging, and other laboratory findings.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
- Total bilirubin
- Direct bilirubin
- Albumin
- Total protein
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) when included
Why people order this test
- Screen for liver problems during routine health checks
- Evaluate liver health before or during certain treatments
- Investigate symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort
- Monitor a known liver condition over time
- Check liver markers when risk factors are present
- Follow up on abnormal results from another test
How to prepare
Fasting may be requested for some liver panels, so check the laboratory's instructions before the appointment. A standard blood sample is collected, and results can be affected by recent alcohol use, intense exercise, and some medicines, which is why the ordering provider reviews the context.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to three business days. Values outside the reference range can reflect many different situations, from temporary irritation to chronic liver conditions, and only a qualified healthcare provider can determine what they mean for a particular person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a liver function test measure?
It measures enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and albumin that reflect liver cell activity, bile flow, and the liver's synthetic function.
Do I need to fast for a liver panel?
Some liver panels are ordered with fasting and others are not. Follow the instructions on the laboratory order for your appointment.
Can a liver function test diagnose a specific liver disease?
No single result provides a diagnosis. The panel shows patterns that a healthcare provider interprets with the person's history, examination, and other tests.
What can cause abnormal liver enzymes?
Many factors can, including fatty liver, viral infections, alcohol use, medicines, muscle injury, and temporary illness. A provider determines the likely cause.
How often should liver tests be repeated?
The right interval depends on why the test was ordered and what the first result showed. The ordering healthcare provider sets the schedule.
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