Liver Function Test (LFT Test): Purpose, Cost, Normal Values & Results

• Purpose
• Price
• Parameters
• Normal Range
• FAQs
  

LFT Test or a Liver function test is a blood test. The results from this test help to evaluate the normal functioning of the Liver. A liver function test is also part of routine preventive health checkups. It is not a single test but a profile of the number of parameters. These parameters enable a health professional to make an informed decision about your health.

An LFT test is also known as liver panel test, liver profile or liver function test.

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What is the need of Liver Function test?

The liver performs many essential functions in our body. As liver perform important functions, LFT test is also commonly done during pregnancy & routine health checkup.

Main Functions of Liver

The liver is located on right side of the upper abdomen. Though, we can not feel as it is inside the rib cage. The liver performs the following essential functions:

• Filter the blood which is coming from the digestive system. It then passes on this filtered blood to rest of the body.
• It produces proteins which help in blood clotting & other functions
• The liver produces bile which carries away the waste and breaks down fat in the intestine.
• Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs
• Storing Vitamins & Minerals

Abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, jaundice & bleeding could be symptoms of abnormal liver function. Diseases such as hepatitis infection, liver cirrhosis, cancer & damage by toxins etc. are some of the problems related to livers.

What is the LFT test cost in India?

The cost of LFT test varies depending on the reputation of lab & location. For example, LFT test cost in Lal path lab is Rs 780 whereas it cost Rs 750 in SRL Diagnostics. LFT test cost also varies from one city to another. In general, it cost more in big metro cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai. However, usually cost range between Rs 500/- to Rs 900/-.

Though, Patient must bear in mind that cost is not the only important factor. When it comes to healthcare, quality is also equally important. Thus, it is advisable that patient should check the lab’s reputation and certification. NABL is among most coveted certification in India. It is granted only after rigorous evaluation of the lab.

BookmeriLab has partnered with Thyrocare, a NABL & CAP certified Lab, where LFT test is being provided at an affordable cost of Rs 399/- only. Furthermore, Sample is collected from the comfort of your home and report is delivered either via E-Mail or Hard copy (Charged Rs 50 extra).

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Tests included in Liver Function test?

This profile includes a number of tests which are essential for the liver health evaluation. This test checks for the level of certain enzymes and protein in the blood. Enzymes are also a type of proteins which helps in the chemical reaction in our body. The level of these tests indication proper liver function in our body.

Tests included in a liver function test are not standardized and it may vary from one lab to another. However, certain important parameters are common. These following tests are commonly included:

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

This is an enzyme found mainly in bone, Liver, Kidney & digestive systems. A higher level of ALP enzyme may indicate a liver disorder, blockage of bile ducts or a bone disease.

Bilirubin (Direct, Indirect & Total)

The waste from the breakdown of red blood cells leads to the production of Bilirubin. It is processed in the liver before being excreted from our body through the stool.  As an unhealthy liver can’t process bilirubin properly, its level may rise in the blood. Direct, indirect & total level of bilirubin is indicative of their processing stage in the body. Thus their individual & relative levels can help in the diagnosis of liver-related problems.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (Ggt)

GGT is an enzyme which works as transport molecule in our body. It helps the liver in the metabolization of drugs and toxins. GGT Level helps differentiate whether higher ALP level in our blood is due to liver or bone disease. It is also a sensitive indicator of biliary tract disease.

Serum Globulin

Globulins are a group of proteins. Our immune system and liver produce globulins in our body. They help in transporting nutrients and fight infections. Their abnormal level is indicative of liver disease, inflammation or infection.

Serum Albumin

The liver produces albumin, a protein, in our body. It is found in abundance and plays a pivotal role in tissues growth and repair. Albumin also transports nutrients, medicine & hormones in the body. Its abnormal level can be due to several reasons including unhealthy liver.

Protein – Total

Proteins are building blocks of cells and tissues. Albumin & globulin are most important proteins. Our liver produces most of the protein in our body. Total protein level is the summation of Albumin and globulin in our body. There are several reasons for abnormal protein level including liver disease.

Serum Albumin/Globulin Ratio

It is a calculated parameter from above two parameters. It also indicates the status of liver health.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (Sgot)

Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST or SGOT is an enzyme. The liver produces most of this enzyme in our body. The increased level of SGOT enzyme is indicative of health problems. This parameter in conjunction with other liver enzymes level tells the status of the liver health particularly.

Alanine Transaminase (Sgpt)

Alanine Transaminase or ALT or SGPT is a liver enzyme. Mainly liver cells contain this enzyme. However, an unhealthy liver can lead to the release of SGPT in the blood. Thus an elevated level is indicative of a liver disease.

All the above tests, which are included in the liver function test, are important for the orderly function of not only the liver but the whole body in general. It is for this very reason that most of the health package include this test. Even, Doctors also routinely prescribe this test in case of pregnancy, before major surgery or any other major illness.

It may further be noted that above list is indicative and different labs include different parameters in the LFT test.

How to Prepare for Liver function (LFT) test?

An LFT test is a blood test which does not require any prior preparation. A Liver function test may require overnight fasting. The fasting requirement is dependent on components being included. Thus some labs may not insist for fasting during liver function test. However, there are certain medicines such as heparin or anticoagulant which may impact the result of the test. Thus, these tests may require you to discontinue medicines.  However, patients must consult their doctors before discontinuing any medicine.

Procedure for Liver Function Test

This test is done on the blood sample drawn from the patient vein. A phlebotomist or blood collection technician first clean the spot using some disinfectant. It does not allow passing the bacteria in the blood sample. Then, a cuff may be wrapped around your forearm to make veins more prominently visible. A blood sample will be taken and a bandage may be applied to avoid any infection.

Liver function test normal range

As a liver function test contains a number of parameters, each parameter has a different normal range. Though the individual tests do have a normal range, their interpretation should be left to the doctor. As there could be a number of reasons for abnormal level, the more important is the correlation between different factors of your LFT test. The following table enlists the normal range for individual parameters in LFT test.

Table Below List the Normal Range of LFT Test

Reasons for the abnormal level in LFT test

An abnormal level in the liver function test could be because of multiple reasons.

There could be any of following reason for the abnormal level in LFT Test:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Cancer
• Cirrohis
• Hepatitis
• Use of Certain medicine or drugs
• Alcohol Abuse

Above list is only indicative. There could be many other reasons for elevated levels in LFT test. It is important to consult your doctor if you have an abnormal level in your LFT test.

Limitation of LFT Test

Liver function test is more of a screening test. Though normal levels of test parameters is a good indicator of normal liver functioning, an abnormal level can not pinpoint the problem. Thus a doctor usually recommends further diagnosis to evaluate the reasons for the abnormal level in LFT test results.

Risks involved in LFT Test

An LFT test is a routine blood test with minimal risk. However, in very rare cases, there may be certain risks involved which are related to the blood extraction from the patient rather than the LFT test per se.

Frequently Asked Questions About LFT Test

Does liver function (LFT) test require fasting?

A Liver function test may require overnight fasting. The fasting requirement is dependent on components being included. Thus some labs may not insist for fasting during liver function test.

Time Taken in LFT Test?

It is a simple blood test and it should not take more than 10 minutes to conduct this test. However, sample processing and report delivery may take up to 24 hours depending on lab procedures.

Why is LFT test required during pregnancy?

The liver is an important organ which performs many essential functions. As the pregnancy is a delicate process and it is vital to maintain a healthy body. Thus Doctor recommends LFT test during pregnancy to be sure about healthy liver.