What is a Liver Function Test (LFT)?
The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a panel of blood tests that assess the health of the liver. The liver is a vital organ performing over 500 functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, we provide comprehensive LFT with expert interpretation.
LFT Parameters Explained
Liver Enzymes (Indicate Liver Damage)
- SGOT/AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Normal 10–40 U/L. Elevated in liver disease, heart attack, muscle injury.
- SGPT/ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Normal 7–56 U/L. Most liver-specific enzyme. Elevated in hepatitis, fatty liver, drug toxicity.
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Normal 44–147 U/L. Elevated in cholestasis (bile flow obstruction), bone disease.
- GGT (Gamma GT): Sensitive for alcohol use and bile duct disease.
Bilirubin (Indicates Jaundice)
- Total Bilirubin: Normal 0.3–1.2 mg/dL. Above 2.5 mg/dL causes visible jaundice.
- Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin: Elevated in obstructive jaundice (gallstones, hepatitis).
- Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin: Elevated in haemolysis (RBC breakdown).
Synthetic Function (Assess Liver’s Manufacturing Ability)
- Albumin: Normal 3.5–5.0 g/dL. Low albumin indicates chronic liver disease or malnutrition.
- Prothrombin Time (PT/INR): Clotting factor production. Prolonged in acute liver failure.
When is LFT Ordered?
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Abdominal pain (right upper quadrant)
- Monitoring patients on hepatotoxic medications
- Alcohol use history
- Suspected hepatitis
- Fatty liver management
LFT at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042. Results in 4 hours.
