Blood Test for Liver Function

A liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that measures substances in the blood associated with the liver. These tests can provide information on whether there is a change in the liver function and help diagnose certain problems.

A liver function test is an essential component of our patient health screening. Your doctor may recommend a health screening to investigate why you feel sick. You shouldn’t worry about determining the type of blood test you need; our doctor can determine this and explain any necessary test during your consultation.

Our blood tests are available on the same day with a fast turnaround time. Our doctor will also explain what your results mean and recommend any next steps based on your results.

Tests included in a liver function test

• Alanine transaminase (ALT)

  ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver that aids in converting proteins into energy for the liver cells. A damaged liver will release ALT into the bloodstream, increasing ALT levels. This test is also known as SGPT.

• Aspartate transaminase (AST)

  AST is an enzyme that aids in breaking down amino acids in the body. AST is usually in the blood at low levels, but an increase in this enzyme, like ALT, may indicate liver damage, liver disease, or muscle damage. This test is also known as SGOT.

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

  ALP is an enzyme found in the bone and liver and aids in the breakdown of proteins. Higher ALP levels in the blood may indicate liver disease or damage, like a blocked bile duct. It may also mean a bone disease because the enzyme is in the bones.

• Total protein and albumin

  Albumin is one of the proteins produced in the liver. Proteins are important in the body to fight infections and other functions. Low albumin and total protein levels may indicate liver disease or damage. Also, low albumin and total protein levels may mean kidney-related or gastrointestinal conditions.

• Bilirubin

  Bilirubin is produced from red blood cell breakdown. It passes through the liver and gets excreted in stool. Increased bilirubin levels may indicate liver disease or damage. In some cases, elevated bilirubin levels may result from certain types of anaemia and blockage of the liver ducts.

• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

  GGT is an enzyme found in the blood at low levels. Increased GGT levels may indicate bile duct or liver damage. It is a non-specific test because other conditions may raise the GGT levels.

• L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD)

  LD is a liver enzyme, and higher levels in the blood may indicate liver damage. However, other conditions also cause increased LD levels.

• Prothrombin time (PT)

  This is the time needed for blood to clot. Higher PT may mean liver damage, but this can result from taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin.

Liver Function Tests Results:

The standard results for liver function tests include:

• Albumin: 3.5 - 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
• ALP: 40 - 129 U/L.
• ALT: 7 - 55 units per liter (U/L).
• AST: 8 - 48 U/L.
• Total protein: 6.3 - 7.9 g/dL.
• PT: 9.4 - 12.5 seconds.
• LD: 122 - 222 U/L.
• GGT: 8 - 61 U/L.
• Bilirubin:  0.1 - 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

These results are for a typical adult male. However, standard results may differ between laboratories, with slightly varying results for children and women.

LFT test at Medical Express Clinic

We are committed to your well-being and are happy when you contact us for your healthcare needs. Our experienced team will provide any information you need and diagnose the condition, giving you concerns.

You can visit us at 117A Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT, UK, or contact us at 0207 499 1991 to book an appointment.

We have offered blood tests for Liver Function to self-referred patients in Central and Greater London for over 30 years. You can walk in on weekdays between 9 am and 6 pm or weekends from 10 am to 2 pm for your blood sample collection by an experienced professional.

If you order a blood test on a self-referral basis, we will forward the laboratory report to you without comments or notes from our doctors. Doctors’ comments and notes are available when you are in our doctor’s care. You can call us to schedule an appointment for a consultation after your test results.

Frequently asked questions