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Liver Function Test (LFT): Easy Learning with Dr. Anirban Biswas

Writer's picture: Anirban BiswasAnirban Biswas
LIVER FUNCTION TEST

The liver function test (LFT), also known as the hepatic function panel, is a vital diagnostic tool to evaluate liver health. This blood test assesses various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. Commonly referred to as the liver profile blood test, it aids in diagnosing liver conditions, monitoring the progression of diseases, and determining the impact of medications.


Constituents of Liver Function Test

  1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)

    • Normal Value: 7–56 U/L

    • Significance: Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver cell damage due to conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis.

    • SGPT liver function test is a specific marker for liver inflammation.

  2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)

    • Normal Value: 10–40 U/L

    • Significance: Found in the liver and other tissues, elevated AST levels can signal liver or muscle damage.

  3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

    • Normal Value: 44–147 U/L

    • Significance: This enzyme, measured as part of the liver function panel, indicates bile duct health and bone metabolism. High levels may suggest biliary obstruction.

  4. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

    • Normal Value: 9–48 U/L

    • Significance: Elevated GGT levels often reflect bile duct disorders or excessive alcohol consumption.

  5. Total Bilirubin

    • Normal Value: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL

    • Significance: A key part of the blood test for liver function, bilirubin measures red blood cell breakdown. High levels lead to jaundice and indicate liver dysfunction.

  6. Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin

    • Normal Range: 0.1–0.4 mg/dL

    • Significance: Measures bilirubin processed by the liver and excreted into bile.

    • High Levels: Biliary obstruction or liver cell damage.

  7. Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin

    • Normal Range: Calculated as Total Bilirubin - Direct Bilirubin

    • High Levels: Hemolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome.

  8. Albumin

    • Normal Range: 3.5–5.0 g/dL

    • Significance: A protein synthesized by the liver, albumin reflects the liver’s synthetic function.

    • Low Levels: Chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney disease.

    • High Levels: Rare; may indicate dehydration.

  9. Total Protein

    • Normal Range: 6.3–8.3 g/dL

    • Significance: Includes albumin and globulin. Evaluates liver function and nutritional status.

    • Low Levels: Liver disease, kidney disease, or malabsorption.

    • High Levels: Chronic inflammation or infections.

  10. Prothrombin Time (PT)

    • Normal Value: 11–13.5 seconds

    • Significance: Reflects the liver's ability to produce clotting factors. A prolonged PT can indicate severe liver dysfunction.


How to Check Liver Function

You can get your liver function blood test done at any diagnostic lab or clinic. While there is no reliable way to test liver function at home, monitoring symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal swelling can prompt timely testing.

For those looking for detailed learning, resources such as liver function tests PDF and liver function test PPT are available online.


Clinical Significance of LFT Results

  • Hepatitis: Elevated ALT, AST, and bilirubin.

  • Fatty Liver Disease: Mild elevations in ALT and AST.

  • Cirrhosis: Elevated ALP, bilirubin, and prolonged PT, with low albumin.

  • Biliary Obstruction: Markedly elevated ALP and GGT, with high direct bilirubin.

  • Hemolysis: Elevated indirect bilirubin.


Table 1: Liver Function Test (LFT) Parameters

Parameter

Normal Range

Abnormal Levels

Associated Diseases/Conditions

ALT (SGPT)

7–56 U/L

High

Liver damage (hepatitis, fatty liver)

AST (SGOT)

10–40 U/L

High

Hepatitis, muscle injury, myocardial infarction

ALP

44–147 U/L

High

Biliary obstruction, bone disorders

GGT

9–48 U/L

High

Alcoholic liver disease, cholestasis

Total Bilirubin

0.1–1.2 mg/dL

High

Jaundice, liver disease, hemolysis

Direct Bilirubin

0.1–0.4 mg/dL

High

Cholestasis, liver inflammation

Albumin

3.5–5.0 g/dL

Low

Chronic liver disease, malnutrition

Total Protein

6.3–8.3 g/dL

Low

Liver disease, malabsorption

Prothrombin Time

11–13.5 seconds

High

Advanced liver disease, clotting disorders


LFT Interpretation Made Easy

  1. ALT and AST:

    • Very High Levels (>10x normal): Acute hepatitis or liver injury.

    • Mild Elevations: Chronic liver disease or fatty liver.

  2. ALP and GGT:

    • High ALP with High GGT: Points to bile duct obstruction or heavy alcohol use.

    • High ALP without GGT: Bone disorders.

  3. Bilirubin:

    • High Total Bilirubin with Normal Direct (high indirect bilirubin) :points to hemolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome.

    • High Total and Direct Bilirubin: Liver damage or bile duct obstruction.

  4. Low Albumin: A sign of chronic liver disease or malnutrition.

  5. Prolonged PT: Often linked to advanced liver disease.


Liver Function Test Price

The cost for liver function test varies depending on the lab and location, ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200 in India. Searching for liver function test price or lft test can help you find the best options nearby.



Conclusion

The liver function test is a cornerstone for diagnosing liver conditions and tracking health progress. For individuals searching in regional languages, terms like liver function test in Hindi or liver function test Hindi are helpful. Dr. Anirban Biswas emphasizes the importance of timely testing and consultation for liver health.

Stay informed with detailed guides, including hepatic function test resources, to understand the significance of each result. Proper interpretation can ensure early detection and better management of liver-related disorders.

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