Liver Function Test (LFT)

What Does the Liver Function Test (LFT) Measure?

The LFT test evaluates your liver's health by measuring these key functions:

• Liver enzyme levels: SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) show if liver cells are damaged or inflamed.
• Bilirubin processing: Total, direct, and indirect bilirubin levels indicate how well your liver processes waste products.
• Protein production: Measures your liver's ability to make essential proteins for your body.
• Bile duct function: Checks if bile flows properly from your liver.
• Overall liver performance: Provides a complete picture of your liver's working capacity.

Liver Function Test (LFT): Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Liver Function Test (LFT)?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience these warning signs:

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale or bloody stools
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in legs or abdomen
• Persistent itchy skin

Who Should Get a Liver Function Test (LFT)?

Several groups of people benefit from regular liver function monitoring:

• People with symptoms: Anyone experiencing the warning signs mentioned above.
• High-risk individuals: Those with a family history of liver disease, diabetes, or obesity.
• Medication users: People taking medicines that may affect liver function.
• Lifestyle factors: Individuals who consume alcohol regularly or have been exposed to hepatitis.
• Preventive screening: Adults during routine health check-ups to detect early liver problems.

Why Is a Liver Function Test (LFT) Done?

The LFT test helps doctors screen for, diagnose, and monitor liver diseases or damage. It provides crucial information about your liver's health and guides treatment decisions when liver problems are suspected.

Importance of a Liver Function Test (LFT)

Your liver performs over 500 vital functions, including filtering toxins, producing proteins, and helping to digest food. The LFT test is clinically important because it can detect liver problems early, often before you feel unwell. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can prevent serious complications like cirrhosis or liver failure. The test also helps doctors monitor existing liver conditions and assess the effectiveness of treatments, making it essential for ongoing liver health management.

Liver Function Test (LFT) Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a Liver Function Test (LFT)?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Liver Function Test (LFT)', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for Liver Function Test (LFT) Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection for the liver function test is widely available across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood collection. This service eliminates travel time and waiting, making it especially helpful for elderly patients or those with mobility concerns.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Liver Function Test (LFT) Report?

Reports are usually available within 6 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get the Liver Function Test (LFT) Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Liver Function Test (LFT) Results

What Your Liver Function Test (LFT) Results May Indicate

This table shows the normal ranges and what abnormal values might mean:

Conditions that May Affect Liver Function Test (LFT) Accuracy

Several factors can influence your liver function test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Medications: Certain drugs, including pain relievers, cholesterol medicines, and antibiotics, can affect liver enzyme levels.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption within 24 hours can temporarily elevate liver enzymes and bilirubin levels.
• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can concentrate blood substances, potentially altering readings.
• Recent illness or infection: Viral infections or fever may temporarily affect liver function markers.
• Dietary factors: Fatty meals before testing can influence bilirubin and enzyme measurements.
• Physical exercise: Intense workout sessions may temporarily raise certain enzyme levels.

How Is a Liver Function Test (LFT) Done?

The LFT test follows a simple and safe procedure:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm, usually inside your elbow.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins more visible.
• The inside of your elbow is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood into sterile tubes.
• The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to prevent bleeding.
• Your blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How Should You Prepare for a Liver Function Test (LFT)?

Proper preparation ensures accurate test results:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, avoid fatty meals, as they can affect bilirubin.
• Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before testing.
• Inform about medications: Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid heavy exercise: Intense physical activity before the test may affect some results.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.

Diseases that a Liver Function Test (LFT) Can Help Detect

The LFT can help identify various liver-related conditions:

• Hepatitis: Viral, alcoholic, or drug-induced liver inflammation
• Fatty liver disease: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of liver tissue due to chronic damage.
• Gilbert's syndrome: An inherited condition affecting bilirubin processing.
• Bile duct disorders: Blockages or inflammation in bile ducts.
• Liver cancer: Primary liver tumours or metastases from other organs.
• Haemolytic anaemia: Conditions causing excessive red blood cell breakdown
• Drug-induced liver injury: Liver damage caused by medications or toxins.

Liver Function Test (LFT)/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are related liver tests available to provide a comprehensive liver health assessment:

Liver Function Test (LFT) Prices in Different Cities

The liver function test (LFT) prices may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.