What It Measures#
A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a panel of blood tests that evaluates how well your liver is working. It typically includes:
- SGPT (ALT) — an enzyme found mainly in the liver; elevated levels indicate liver-cell damage.
- SGOT (AST) — present in the liver and heart; raised in liver disease, heart attacks, and muscle injury.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) — elevated in bile-duct obstruction, bone disease, and pregnancy.
- Total & Direct Bilirubin — a breakdown product of haemoglobin; high levels cause jaundice.
- Total Protein & Albumin — reflect the liver's ability to synthesize proteins.
- GGT (Gamma-GT) — sensitive marker for alcohol-related liver damage.
The liver performs over 500 functions including detoxification, bile production, and protein synthesis. Early detection of liver damage through LFT can prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Who Should Get Tested#
- Anyone with symptoms such as yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, or chronic fatigue.
- Regular alcohol consumers.
- People taking long-term medications (painkillers, anti-TB drugs, statins, anti-epileptics).
- Patients with diabetes or obesity — at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Those with a history of hepatitis B or C infection.
- As a baseline before starting new medications that are metabolised by the liver.
How to Prepare#
- Fasting for 8–12 hours is recommended for the most accurate results.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements, as many can alter liver enzyme levels.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the test.
Understanding Your Results#
| Parameter | Normal Range | Significance | |-----------|-------------|--------------| | SGPT (ALT) | 7–56 U/L | Primary marker of liver-cell injury | | SGOT (AST) | 10–40 U/L | Liver and muscle damage marker | | ALP | 44–147 U/L | Bile-duct obstruction, bone disorders | | Total Bilirubin | 0.1–1.2 mg/dL | Elevated in jaundice, haemolysis | | Albumin | 3.5–5.5 g/dL | Low in chronic liver disease, malnutrition | | GGT | 9–48 U/L | Alcohol use, bile-duct disease |
A mildly elevated SGPT alone is common and may result from a fatty liver. However, values exceeding 3× the upper limit warrant further evaluation with an ultrasound abdomen and a hepatitis panel.
Related Tests#
- Kidney Function Test — often ordered alongside LFT for a comprehensive metabolic profile.
- CBC — can reveal low platelets (a sign of advanced liver disease).
- HbA1c Test — insulin resistance is linked to fatty liver.
Booking & Home Collection#
Book your LFT on PingMeDoc with home sample collection. Fasting-friendly morning slots are available. Digital reports are delivered within 12–24 hours.