The Liver Function Test (LFT) Panel is a group of blood tests that help evaluate the health and performance of your liver. These tests measure enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver to detect inflammation, damage, infection, or disease.
The liver plays a vital role in:
- Metabolizing drugs and toxins
- Producing bile for digestion
- Storing energy
- Synthesizing proteins (like albumin)
- Regulating blood clotting
Your doctor may order an LFT Panel to:
✅ Assess overall liver health
✅ Monitor liver conditions (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis)
✅ Evaluate the effects of medications or alcohol on liver function
✅ Detect liver damage due to infections, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic conditions
✅ Screen for liver disease in people with risk factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity, alcohol use)
LFTs may be recommended if you:
🩺 Have symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dark urine or pale stool
- Nausea or vomiting
📋 Have risk factors such as:
- History of alcohol use or drug abuse
- Exposure to hepatitis viruses
- Taking liver-impacting medications (e.g., statins, antibiotics)
- Diagnosed with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome
Test Name | Purpose |
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) | Detects liver cell damage (most sensitive) |
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) | Measures liver and heart enzyme activity |
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | Assesses bile duct and liver function |
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Helps detect bile duct issues and alcohol use |
Total & Direct Bilirubin | Evaluates bile flow and red blood cell breakdown |
Albumin | Measures protein made by the liver (important for fluid balance) |
Total Protein (TP) | Assesses overall protein levels (including albumin & globulin) |
Prothrombin Time (PT) (Optional) | Assesses liver’s ability to help blood clot |
1️⃣ Sample Collection – A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.
2️⃣ Laboratory Analysis – Blood is analyzed for liver enzymes, proteins, and waste products.
3️⃣ Result Interpretation – A healthcare provider reviews the values to assess liver function and overall health.
Understanding Your LFT Results
- Elevated ALT/AST – May indicate liver inflammation or damage (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver, medication toxicity).
- High ALP or GGT – Can suggest bile duct problems or excessive alcohol use.
- Low Albumin – May reflect liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or kidney disease.
- High Bilirubin – Often associated with jaundice, bile duct blockage, or liver disease.
- Prolonged PT – May indicate impaired clotting due to liver dysfunction.
⚠ Always discuss lab results with your healthcare provider, as interpretations may vary depending on your age, health history, and medications.
Depending on your results, your doctor may:
✔ Recommend lifestyle changes (diet, alcohol reduction, exercise)
✔ Order imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the liver
✔ Suggest further liver-specific testing (e.g., hepatitis panel, autoimmune markers)
✔ Refer you to a liver specialist (hepatologist) if abnormalities are found
How to Prepare for the LFT Panel
- Fasting may be required for accurate GGT and bilirubin levels
- Inform your provider about any medications, supplements, or alcohol use
- Stay hydrated before your blood draw
Insurance & Cost Information
The LFT Panel is typically covered by insurance when medically indicated. Our team can assist with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and billing support.
✔ Comprehensive Reporting – Includes all critical liver markers
✔ Fast Turnaround Time – Results usually available within 24-48 hours
✔ CLIA-Certified, CAP-Accredited Lab – Ensures accuracy and reliability
✔ Convenient Scheduling & Sample Collection
✔ Support from Experts – Access to clinicians for follow-up and interpretation
What is the Liver Function Test (LFT) Panel?
The Liver Function Test (LFT) Panel is a group of blood tests that help evaluate the health and performance of your liver. These tests measure enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver to detect inflammation, damage, infection, or disease.
The liver plays a vital role in:
- Metabolizing drugs and toxins
- Producing bile for digestion
- Storing energy
- Synthesizing proteins (like albumin)
- Regulating blood clotting
Why is an LFT Panel Important?
Your doctor may order an LFT Panel to:
Assess overall liver health Monitor liver conditions (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis) Evaluate the effects of medications or alcohol on liver function Detect liver damage due to infections, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic conditions Screen for liver disease in people with risk factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity, alcohol use)
Who Should Get a Liver Function Test?
LFTs may be recommended if you:
Have symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dark urine or pale stool
- Nausea or vomiting
Have risk factors such as:
- History of alcohol use or drug abuse
- Exposure to hepatitis viruses
- Taking liver-impacting medications (e.g., statins, antibiotics)
- Diagnosed with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome
What Tests Are Included in the LFT Panel?
Test Name | Purpose |
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) | Detects liver cell damage (most sensitive) |
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) | Measures liver and heart enzyme activity |
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | Assesses bile duct and liver function |
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Helps detect bile duct issues and alcohol use |
Total & Direct Bilirubin | Evaluates bile flow and red blood cell breakdown |
Albumin | Measures protein made by the liver (important for fluid balance) |
Total Protein (TP) | Assesses overall protein levels (including albumin & globulin) |
Prothrombin Time (PT) (Optional) | Assesses liver’s ability to help blood clot |
How is the LFT Panel Performed?
Sample Collection – A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.
Laboratory Analysis – Blood is analyzed for liver enzymes, proteins, and waste products.
Result Interpretation – A healthcare provider reviews the values to assess liver function and overall health.
Understanding Your LFT Results
- Elevated ALT/AST – May indicate liver inflammation or damage (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver, medication toxicity).
- High ALP or GGT – Can suggest bile duct problems or excessive alcohol use.
- Low Albumin – May reflect liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or kidney disease.
- High Bilirubin – Often associated with jaundice, bile duct blockage, or liver disease.
- Prolonged PT – May indicate impaired clotting due to liver dysfunction.
Always discuss lab results with your healthcare provider, as interpretations may vary depending on your age, health history, and medications.
What Happens After Testing?
Depending on your results, your doctor may:
Recommend lifestyle changes (diet, alcohol reduction, exercise) Order imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the liver Suggest further liver-specific testing (e.g., hepatitis panel, autoimmune markers) Refer you to a liver specialist (hepatologist) if abnormalities are found
How to Prepare for the LFT Panel
- Fasting may be required for accurate GGT and bilirubin levels
- Inform your provider about any medications, supplements, or alcohol use
- Stay hydrated before your blood draw
Insurance & Cost Information
The LFT Panel is typically covered by insurance when medically indicated. Our team can assist with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and billing support.
Why Choose Our Lab for Liver Function Testing?
Comprehensive Reporting – Includes all critical liver markers Fast Turnaround Time – Results usually available within 24-48 hours CLIA-Certified, CAP-Accredited Lab – Ensures accuracy and reliability Convenient Scheduling & Sample Collection Support from Experts – Access to clinicians for follow-up and interpretation