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What is the Liver Function Test?
The liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that quantify the level of various proteins, enzymes, and other substances synthesized by the liver in the blood. An LFT evaluates the overall health of the liver. The functions of the liver include but are not only limited to protein synthesis, bilirubin clearance, and waste removal.
LFT is also known as the liver panel test, liver profile test, and hepatic function panel. During LFT, the following substances are measured; total protein, albumin, bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and prothrombin time. Abnormal values in the liver function test may indicate the presence of liver disease, but it may not always be the case. Thus, always contact your healthcare provider while interpreting the LFT results.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Liver Function Test used for?
The liver function test is used to diagnose the disease of the liver, such as hepatitis, monitor how well the treatment is working in patients with known liver disease and side effects of certain medications, and evaluate scarring or damage of the liver caused by diseases like cirrhosis.
Why do I need a Liver Function Test?
Liver function tests are indicated in those with symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, light-colored stools, and dark-colored urine.
LFT is recommended in those with a family history of liver diseases, suspects of exposure to hepatitis virus, alcohol addiction, and recipients of hepatotoxic drugs.
Understanding the test results of the Liver Function Test (LFT)
If subsequent LFTs are not within the normal ranges, it indicates that the liver may not be properly working or damaged. Liver damage results from several diseases and includes Hepatitis A, B, or C, alcoholism, diabetes, and liver cancer. The LFT results should be interpreted with the help of a qualified medical professional, and self-diagnosis should be avoided.
What happens during the Liver Function Test?
To test the liver function, blood samples are collected, and the procedure is similar to any other blood test. Before an LFT, 10–12-hour fasting is necessary. The healthcare professional collects blood into a test tube or vial from the veins of the patient's upper arm and analyses it in the laboratory. The blood test only lasts for a few minutes.
What are signs that your liver is not functioning properly?
The signs of impaired liver function include yellowish skin and eye color, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, itchy skin, chronic fatigue, vomiting, nausea, and ankle and leg swelling.
How long does a liver function test take?
Liver function tests are conducted via blood testing, and it requires only a few minutes to complete. The LFT results are processed within a few hours and are mostly available by the same day.
How do I prepare for a liver function test?
Before an LFT, the patient is advised to take 10-12 hours of fasting.
What is the most important liver function test?
The most important liver function test is the serum albumin test. Albumin is the main protein synthesized by the liver and is responsible for various bodily functions such as nourishment of tissue, transportation of vitamins, hormones, and other substances across the body. Hence the determination of serum albumin level is significant in the diagnosis of various liver diseases.
What is a critical ALT level?
The critical values of ALT can be 10-20-fold increased to the reference ranges. In acute viral hepatitis, high ALT levels of 300 U/L are observed. However, ALT levels up to 3000 U/L are seen in toxic liver impairments.
What is the normal level of LFT?
10.The normal values of LFT are as follows alanine transaminase (ALT) 7-55 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 8-48 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 40-129 U/L, albumin 3.5-5.0 g/dL, total protein 6.3-7.9 g/dL, bilirubin 0.1-1.2 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase 122-222 U/L, and prothrombin time 9.4-12.5 seconds. Slight variations across the laboratories can be expected.
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