Your liver plays a vital role in digestion, detoxification, protein synthesis, and nutrient metabolism. A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a panel of blood tests that provides insights into your liver’s health and functionality. It helps detect liver inflammation, infection, damage, or obstruction.
🔍 What Does an LFT Panel Include?
The LFT typically includes the following parameters:
- ALT (SGPT) – Alanine Transaminase
- AST (SGOT) – Aspartate Transaminase
- ALP – Alkaline Phosphatase
- Bilirubin (Total, Direct, Indirect)
- Albumin
- Total Protein
- GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (optional)
✅ Key Parameters & Normal Ranges
| Test | Normal Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ALT (SGPT) | 7–56 U/L | Liver enzyme – high in liver cell damage |
| AST (SGOT) | 10–40 U/L | Enzyme found in liver, muscle – also increases with heart issues |
| ALP | 44–147 IU/L | Bile duct blockage, bone growth marker |
| Bilirubin (Total) | 0.3–1.2 mg/dL | Breakdown of RBCs – high in jaundice |
| Bilirubin (Direct) | 0.1–0.4 mg/dL | Conjugated form – excreted by bile |
| Albumin | 3.4–5.4 g/dL | Protein made by liver – low in chronic disease |
| Total Protein | 6.3–7.9 g/dL | Includes albumin and globulin |
| GGT | 9–48 U/L | Sensitive for alcohol-related liver issues |
📈 What Do Abnormal Values Indicate?
- High ALT/AST: Hepatitis, liver inflammation, fatty liver
- High ALP: Obstructed bile ducts, gallstones
- High Bilirubin: Jaundice, liver failure, hemolysis
- Low Albumin: Chronic liver disease, malnutrition
- Elevated GGT: Alcohol abuse, bile obstruction
💡 TIP: Always interpret ALT and AST together. ALT is more liver-specific; AST can rise with heart or muscle injury too.
🩺 When to Get an LFT Done?
- Fatigue, yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice)
- Before/after medications affecting liver
- Alcohol or fatty liver history
- Routine health check-up
- Monitoring chronic hepatitis B or C
🏥 Final Thoughts
Liver function tests provide critical information about your liver’s condition. However, abnormal results do not always mean disease — interpretation depends on symptoms, other tests, and medical history.
For persistent elevation of values, consult a hepatologist or gastroenterologist for further evaluation, ultrasound, or biopsy.
