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Liver Function Tests (LFT)

A Liver Function Test or a Liver Panel/LFT/liver profile/hepatic function panel is a series of blood tests that measure proteins, enzymes and other substances made by the liver. Through these tests, doctors check the overall health of the liver. Different substances are checked at the same time in a single blood sample such as

Albumin, a protein synthesized by the liver. Total protein. This tests measures the total quantity of protein manufactured in the blood. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT). These are different enzymes produced by the liver. Bilirubin, a waste product produced by the liver. Prothrombin time (PT), a protein used for blood clotting. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD), an enzyme found in most body cells, this one is released into the blood when cells are damaged due to injury or disease. A Liver test is done to study the levels of all the above enzymes and proteins, and any change in their levels can indicate a sign of liver disease.

A liver function test are most often suggested to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, to monitor treatment of liver diseases and to check how badly the liver has been damaged such as cirrhosis. It is sometimes suggested to monitor side effects of some medicines administered to the patient.

The doctor may suggest a liver function test to check whether the patient is affected by jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, light-coloured stool or dark-coloured urine.

Sometimes, a liver function test is suggested if the patient has a family history of liver disease, alcohol use disorder or a possibility of hepatitis. The health care professional will take the blood sample of the patient from a vein in the arm to check the blood sample.