Liver Function Test (LFT) (Max)

Liver function tests (LFT) are blood tests which are used to diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. Levels that are higher or lower than normal can indicate liver problems. These are a group of tests which are helpful to screen for liver infections; determine how well a treatment is working; measure the severity of a disease; monitor possible side effects of medications.

The liver function test (LFT) measures levels of specific enzymes and proteins in the blood. The common components of the test include:

1. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme mainly found in the liver; the best test for detecting hepatitis
2. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – an enzyme found in the liver and a few other places, particularly the heart and other muscles in the body
3. Total bilirubin – measures all the yellow bilirubin pigment in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin. This leads to an atypically high level of bilirubin in the blood.
4. Conjugated bilirubin measures the form made only in the liver and is often requested with total bilirubin in infants with jaundice.
5. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme related to the bile ducts, often increased when blocked, either inside or outside the liver.
6. Albumin – measures the main protein made by the liver and tells how well the liver is making this protein.
7. Total protein - measures albumin and all other proteins in the blood, including antibodies made to help fight off infections
8. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) - measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood. GGT test is used to detect liver disease arising due to alcohol abuse and bile duct obstruction.
9. A:G Ratio - calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. It may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels.