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Liver Function Test (LFT)

Dr. Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 28th October 2021

A liver function test (LFT) consists of a group of tests that are done to understand the overall health of the liver. During the liver function test, various enzyme and protein levels are measured. The proteins that are present in the liver perform the following functions:

Energy generation
Detoxification and purification of blood
Activation of enzymes
Storage of glycogen and fat metabolism
Storage and transportation of nutrients

However, if the cells of the liver are either damaged or infected, then the enzymes and proteins are not fully utilized. This results in abnormalities during the tests.

What is Liver Function Test used for?What is included in a Liver Function Test?Liver Function Test Procedure How to prepare for the Liver Function Test?What Type of Infections can a Liver Function Test Detect?How much does a Liver Function Test Cost?How long does it take to get LFT Results?Is Liver Function a Definitive Test?How to read the Liver Function Blood Test Report?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Liver Function Test used for?

A liver function test is used for detecting the disorders or infections in the liver. However, the blood report can also be used for understanding the other abnormalities related to other organs such as the heart, lungs, bones, kidneys, and muscles.

Check the total protein level in the blood with a LFT!

What is included in a Liver Function Test?

The following enzymes and substances are analyzed in the blood. This test is conducted by a certified lab technician.

Bilirubin: When the red blood cells break down, bilirubin is made in our body which is yellow in colour. In a healthy person, when the bilirubin is made, processed by the liver, it is safely removed from the body through urine or stool. However, if the liver is not healthy, the processing of bilirubin becomes difficult as a result it starts to build up in the blood resulting in the yellow colour of eyes and skin.

Total protein test: Through the total protein test, the amount of albumin and globulin in the blood is measured. These are the two proteins that are made in the liver.

Albumin: This is made in the liver and it prevents fluid in the blood vessels from leaking out. This is known as oncotic plasma pressure. Edema is the condition where the excess fluid is flown out from the blood vessels into the tissues. Albumin also plays a role in carrying out different substances such as fatty acids, ions, bilirubin, etc throughout the body.

Globulins: These are a group of proteins that are spherical in shape that are larger than albums. Globulins are synthesized in the liver. There are different types of globulins that perform different functions such as blood clotting, immunoglobulins help in fighting against infections, and help in transporting hormones to different parts of the body

Lipoproteins carry fats and cholesterol throughout the body.
If the total protein in the liver is lower than normal, it may lead to conditions such as edema where the ankles and feet swell, ascites where the abdomen swell, and there will also be puffiness of the face.
If the total protein in the liver is higher than normal, it could be cancer, HIV, inflammation, dehydration, or hepatitis.
The ratio of albumin to globulin in a healthy person is between 1.0 to 2.1. If the ratio is less than 1, it indicates chronic liver disease, cancer, or kidney disease.

Liver Function Test Procedure

A liver function test is used for checking the levels of enzymes and proteins in our blood.

It is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours before undertaking the test.
The blood sample is collected from the vein by inserting a needle into it. The collected blood sample is stored in a test tube. This is then sent to the lab for further analysis.
When the needle is inserted into the vein, you may feel a sting in your arm, however, the pain will reduce immediately.
With the help of state-of-the-art technology, the blood sample will be analyzed by the lab technician.
Once the analysis is completed, the blood test results will be available on the MFine app within the next 24-48 hours.

How to prepare for the Liver Function Test?

It is advised to fast for 8-10 hours before the test is conducted. It is also advisable not to consume alcohol for a few days before the test is conducted. Keeping your doctor informed about the medications is also important. All these are required in order to obtain accurate results.

Check the levels of bilirubin in the blood with a Liver Function Test!

Things to consider after the Liver Function Test is completed.

Once the test results are available, consult your doctor who would recommend treatment based on your test results. Please do not self diagnose your health condition.

What Type of Infections can a Liver Function Test Detect?

Through liver function tests, abnormalities related to the liver and other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, bones, and muscles can be detected. Therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor to get treated for the underlying conditions. In particular infections like hepatitis lead to an increase in Liver enzymes detected by LFT.

How much does a Liver Function Test Cost?

The cost may vary from city to city. However, the starting price of the test is between ₹140 and ₹500. From the below table, you can book the liver function test:

City Name	Price
Book Liver Function Test in Bangalore	₹ 208
Book Liver Function Test in Delhi	₹ 142
Book Liver Function Test in Kolkata	₹ 423
Book Liver Function Test in Chennai	₹ 423
Book Liver Function Test in Mumbai	₹ 499
Book Liver Function Test in Hyderabad	₹ 423
Book Liver Function Test in Noida	₹ 142
Book Liver Function Test in Gurgaon	₹ 142
Book Liver Function Test in Pune	₹ 423

How long does it take to get LFT Results?

Once the blood samples are dropped at the labs, the test results will be available on the MFine app for download within the next 24-48 hours.

Is Liver Function a Definitive Test?

An LFT is used for detecting abnormalities related to the liver along with the other organs such as the heart, kidney, lungs, muscles, bones, etc. It is not a definitive test. Therefore, it is advised to visit your doctor to understand the problem and get it diagnosed at the earliest.

Book Liver Function Test Online

How to read the Liver Function Blood Test Report?

Liver Function Profile, Serum	Biological reference in healthy individuals (Normal value)	Units
Bilirubin, total	0.3-1.2	mg/dL
Bilirubin, direct	0.1-0.8	mg/dL
Bilirubin, indirect	0.0-0.3	mg/dL
Total protein	0.1-1.0	g/dL
Albumin	6.0-8.3	g/dL
Globulin	3.2-5.0	g/dL
Albumin/Globulin ratio	2.0-4.1	Ratio
Aspartate aminotransferase	0-35	U/L
Alanine aminotransferase	0-45	U/L
Alkaline phosphatase	41-137	U/L
Gamma Glutamyl transferase	0-50	U/L
Lactate dehydrogenase	200-450	U/L

Why book Liver Function Test?

To detect any liver diseases such as jaundice, viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, etc.
To monitor the response of the liver to the existing medications and to understand the efficacy of the treatment.
To screen for any existing liver diseases.

Where to get the Liver Function Test done?

Through the MFine app, you can now book liver function tests from certified lab partners in your city.

Certified Lab Partners of MFine For LFT

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹700

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹700

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹700

How to avail Liver Function Test?

Book LFT in your city with MFine app.

Select the lab partner for your choice, add the address from where the sample needs to be collected, and book a slot for the sample collection based on your convenience.

A certified lab technician will be assigned to collect the sample for the test.

The sample will be collected and analysed from the lab that you selected.

Once the test is done, the report will be available on the MFine app for download.

For a better understanding of the result, avail online consultation with any of the senior doctors.

Based on the reports, required advice and prescription will be shared with the doctors.

For further assistance

Call to book your diagnostic test

Call 08061931415

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Is a doctor’s prescription required for the test?

No, for liver function tests there is no requirement for a doctor’s prescription. However, it is advised to consult your doctor or gastroenterologist before taking the test.

What should be avoided before a liver function test?

Before an LFT, it is mandatory to fast for 8-10 hours and to avoid alcohol consumption for a few days. If there are any medications going on, please keep your doctor informed.

Is fasting required for a liver function test?

Yes, fasting may be required for an LFT. This is in order to get accurate test results.

When will the test results be available?

The test results will be available within the next 24-48 hours of the analysis of the test samples.

What are the symptoms of liver diseases?

It is important to understand that the symptoms and signs related to liver diseases are usually noticeable. If any of the following symptoms and signs are noticed, it could be related to liver disorders:

Skin and eyes turning yellow
Abdominal pain and swelling
Swelling in the ankles and legs
Itchy skin
Urine is a dark colour
The stool is pale in colour
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Chronic fatigue
Getting bruised easily

What are risk factors associated with liver disorders?

The following are the risk factors that can increase the chances of developing liver disorders:

Heavy consumption of alcohol
Obesity
Unprotected sex
Blood transfusion
Type 2 diabetes
Body piercings or tattoos
Using shared needles
Injecting drugs
Getting exposed to other people’s blood and body fluids

How to prevent liver diseases?

Consuming alcohol in moderation. Having one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men is considered to be a healthy practice.

Maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is not just a cause for liver diseases, it could be a cause for many other health disorders. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is recommended.

Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids. Sharing a used needle can lead to the spreading of Hepatitis viruses. Therefore, maintain hygiene and have a proper cleanup of blood and body fluids.

Getting vaccinated. Getting Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent you from getting infected from any form of Hepatitis virus.

Using protection. Using a condom during sex, choosing clean and well-maintain studios for body piercings and tattoos can reduce the chances of getting infected.