Liver Function Test (LFT)-ImageLiver Function Test (LFT)

🧪 Liver Function Test (LFT)


Evaluates liver health and how well it’s working.

 

Your liver is a large, vital organ located under your ribs on the right side of your tummy. It acts as your body’s chemical factory and filter, performing hundreds of important tasks, including:

 

  • Cleansing your blood – removes toxins, waste, and alcohol
  • Producing bile – helps digest fats
  • Storing energy – in the form of sugar, vitamins, and iron
  • Making proteins – like those needed for blood clotting
  • Supporting metabolism – breaks down medicines and hormones

If your liver isn’t working properly, it can affect your digestion, energy, and immune system.

 

🔍 What is it?

 

A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that check the health of your liver by measuring the levels of certain enzymes, proteins, and waste products in your blood. It can help detect liver damage, inflammation, or disease — even in the absence of symptoms.

 

 

📊 What does it measure?

MarkerPurpose
ALT (Alanine transaminase)Elevated levels may indicate liver damage
AST (Aspartate transaminase)Can suggest liver or muscle injury
ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)Raised in bile duct or liver/bone disorders
GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)Often elevated in alcohol-related liver disease
BilirubinHigh levels may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
Albumin & Total ProteinAssess the liver’s ability to produce essential proteins

 

❓ Why might I need it?

 

You may be advised to take an LFT if you:

  • Feel persistently tired or weak
  • Have yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Consume alcohol regularly
  • Are on medications that may affect the liver
  • Have an existing liver condition (e.g. hepatitis, NAFLD)
  • Are completing a general health check-up
     

 

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

 

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Hepatitis A, B, or C
  • Alcohol-related liver disease
  • Cirrhosis
  • Bile duct blockages

  • Drug-induced liver damage

     

 

⏱️ How is it done?

 

  • A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm
  • The process takes only a few minutes

  • Results are typically available within 1–2 working days
     

     

💷 Typical private cost in the UK:

 

  • Around £40–£90
  • Frequently included in general health panels or fatigue-related investigations

     

 

✅ Commonly combined with:

 

  • Full Blood Count (FBC)
  • Thyroid Function Test
  • Vitamin D & B12 Tests
  • Lipid Profile

     

 

📚 References:

  1. NHS UK –  Liver function test
  2. Patient.info – Liver Function Tests
  3. Bupa UK – Liver function tests explained

London Medical Laboratory – Private Liver Function Testing
 

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