Everything You Should Know About Liver Function Tests

Are you aware that liver disease is quietly affecting millions in India? In 2015, over 18% of global deaths from liver disease were in India.¹ The scary part? Early-stage liver problems often show no clear symptoms, which means issues can go unnoticed until they become serious. Unexplained fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), weight loss, dark urine, and abdominal pain could be subtle signs your liver needs attention.² But the good news is that many liver problems can be reversed with corrective measures if detected early. And that’s where a Liver Function Test (LFT) comes in.

Curious to know what an LFT is and why you should consider one? Then keep reading the blog!

Key Takeaways:

• Liver Function Test (LFT) evaluates how effectively your liver is functioning.
• Many liver issues can be asymptomatic in their early stages, making regular testing crucial for early detection.
• Liver tests may show irregularities due to factors like infections, fatty liver disease, certain medications, alcohol consumption, or autoimmune disorders.
• Watch for symptoms such as yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, or fatigue.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying up to date with vaccinations, and limiting alcohol intake to protect liver health.
• Regular Liver monitoring helps detect issues early and guide your doctor on the next steps.

What is the Liver Function Test?

LFT is a simple blood test that is performed to assess liver health. It measures the levels of specific enzymes, proteins, and byproducts produced by the liver. This helps doctors figure out if your liver is working properly.³

When Should You Get a Liver Test Done?

A Liver Function Test (LFT) is not only for people with liver disease. However, it's also for those who want to keep track of their liver health. So, consider getting it tested if:

• Routine preventive screening is on your mind
• There’s an existing liver condition, like hepatitis, that needs monitoring. 
• You’re taking medications that could affect your liver.
• Doctors recommend it to see how a liver problem is responding to treatment.
• Certain medications are causing liver damage.
• You notice symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, or unexplained fatigue.

Key Markers to Check in a Liver Function Test

A liver function test checks certain markers in the blood to see how well the liver is functioning. Some include:

• Liver Enzymes: SGPT and SGOT are the enzymes that help the liver break down food and eliminate toxins from the body. When their levels are high, it may mean your liver is inflamed or damaged.
• Proteins: The liver makes important proteins like albumin. Low protein levels can indicate the liver isn’t functioning well.
• Bilirubin: This is a yellow substance made when red blood cells break down. An excess of it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme helps move bile through the liver. If it’s high, there could be a problem with the bile flow (a fluid in the liver that helps digest fats).
  Prothrombin Time (PT): Your liver helps your blood clot. If clotting takes longer than usual, it might mean your liver isn’t making enough of these factors.

Common Symptoms That Indicate Liver Problems

As already mentioned, most liver diseases don’t develop any symptoms. But once they do, here’s what you might notice:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Pain in the belly
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Changes in urine colour from normal
• Constant tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Easy bruising.

How Is the Liver Function Test Done?

Getting a liver test done is simple and quick. It is just a routine blood test.

• During the test, a healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm.
• The blood is then collected in a small tube and sent to the lab.
• In the lab, different enzymes and proteins in the blood are measured to analyse liver health.

The whole process takes only a few minutes, and you usually get the reports the same day or by the next.

Decoding LFT Reports

The LFT report shows how well the liver is working. It assesses the levels of certain enzymes and proteins, including ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin.⁴

If you get values within the normal range, it means your liver is working healthily. However, if the levels are higher or lower, it may indicate inflammation, infection, or a strain on the liver.4

Now, let’s take a closer look at the causes of abnormal liver tests.

Causes of Abnormal LFT Results

Many factors contribute to abnormal LFT readings. Some of them include:⁵

• Infections: Viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, or C can cause inflammation in the liver and increase the enzyme levels.
• Fatty Liver: Too much fat buildup in the liver due to obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels can also affect liver function.
• Medications: Taking painkillers or antibiotics too often or without a doctor’s consultation can harm your liver.
• Long-Term Alcohol Use: Drinking alcohol regularly or in excess can damage liver cells and lead to conditions like fatty liver or cirrhosis.
• Autoimmune conditions: In some cases, the body’s immune system attacks healthy liver cells, leading to inflammation and liver damage.

So if your results seem abnormal, don’t panic. Always check with your doctor to understand the results, as they can guide you on the next steps.

Cost of Liver Function Test

The cost of an LFT test depends on the package you choose and the lab you get it done from. If you’re booking with LifeCell Diagnostics, you’ll get affordable prices for the liver function test package.  It includes 11 tests priced at ₹700. 

You can also explore other liver health packages available on our website. To book online, simply visit www.lifecell.in, click on Health Check, choose your preferred package/test, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. For any queries, you can reach out to us at 18002665533.

Tips to Maintain Liver Health Naturally

For a healthy liver, adopt the following practices into your daily routine:⁶

1. Prevent Hepatitis

Get yourself and your family vaccinated. Practice good hand hygiene and safe sex to reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission. Also, encourage others to follow the same.

2. Eat Well and Stay Active

A balanced meal and regular physical activity are key to good liver health. Not taking care of these habits can be harmful to your liver health. So always ensure to wash fruits and vegetables properly to remove pesticides. Also, avoid taking any medicines or supplements without consulting your doctor.

3. Quit Alcohol

Consuming too much alcohol can be one of your liver’s worst enemies. Studies also suggest that even moderate alcohol use can slowly damage your liver and cause scarring over time.

4. Prioritise Regular Checks

A simple liver function test can catch early signs of trouble before they become serious. So make it a part of your regular health check-up.

When To See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier and they don’t improve, see your doctor as soon as possible. It’s always safer to get checked early rather than wait for the condition to get worse.

Summing Up!

Your liver works 24 hours a day, protecting your body without much recognition. A simple liver function test can assess its overall functioning, helping you catch issues early before things worsen. So take this small step today to prioritise your health and book the test that can prevent bigger problems tomorrow. 

FAQs

1. What Are the Warning Signs of Liver Diseases?

Key warning signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), pain or swelling in the belly, constant fatigue, and dark-colored urine. These symptoms usually appear when the liver is already under stress and needs prompt medical attention.

2. What Are the Main Liver Function Tests?

The four main liver function tests include:

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), 
• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), 
• ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), 
• and the Bilirubin test.

These tests measure enzyme and bilirubin levels to check liver health and detect early signs of any disease.

3. Is Fasting Required Before a Liver Function Test?

Yes, sometimes fasting is needed. That’s because certain food intake or medications can affect the results. So your doctor may ask you to fast before the test. Following the said instructions helps ensure the results are accurate.⁷