TOOL- liver Function Test LFT

Published by

Kishor Kumar Seth

7th August 2025

https://kkseth.blogspot.com/2025/08/tool-liver-function-test-lft.html

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that help evaluate how well your liver is working. These tests measure different enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. Understanding LFT results can help detect liver disease, monitor treatment, or assess the effects of medications.

✅ Common LFT Components and What They Mean

Test Name	Normal Range	What it Measures	What High/Low Means
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)	7–56 U/L	Enzyme mainly in liver	🔺 High: Liver damage (e.g., hepatitis, fatty liver)
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)	10–40 U/L	Enzyme in liver, heart, muscles	🔺 High: Liver or muscle damage
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)	40–130 U/L	Enzyme in liver, bones, bile ducts	🔺 High: Bile duct obstruction, bone disease
GGT (Gamma-glutamyl Transferase)	9–48 U/L	Enzyme in bile ducts	🔺 High: Alcohol use, bile duct disease
Total Bilirubin	0.3–1.2 mg/dL	Waste product from red blood cell breakdown	🔺 High: Jaundice, liver or bile duct issue
Direct Bilirubin	0.1–0.3 mg/dL	Conjugated bilirubin	🔺 High: Bile flow issues
Albumin	3.4–5.4 g/dL	Main liver-made protein	🔻 Low: Liver damage, malnutrition
Total Protein	6.3–7.9 g/dL	Albumin + Globulin	🔻 Low: Liver/kidney issues, malabsorption
Prothrombin Time (PT/INR)	PT: 11–13.5 sec	Time to form blood clot	🔺 High: Liver dysfunction (slower clotting)

📋 Interpreting Results for Patients

Pattern of Results	Possible Condition	Action
ALT ↑↑, AST ↑	Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune, drug-induced)	Further tests (HBV, HCV), liver ultrasound
ALP ↑, GGT ↑	Bile duct problems, alcohol-related liver disease	Imaging (ultrasound, MRCP)
Bilirubin ↑, ALP ↑	Cholestasis, gallstones, tumor	May need ERCP or surgery
Albumin ↓, PT ↑	Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis	Long-term management, liver protection
Mild isolated AST ↑	Muscle injury, exercise, heart issues	Repeat, check CK levels
All normal	Healthy liver	Maintain healthy lifestyle

🩺 What Should Patients Do?

If abnormal: Consult a doctor, especially if symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, swelling, or abdominal pain are present.
Lifestyle changes: Avoid alcohol, fatty foods, and unnecessary medications. Control diabetes and cholesterol.
Regular check-ups: Especially for those with diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis, or long-term medication use.

🧠 Quick Tips for Patients

✅ Normal LFTs don’t always rule out liver disease — clinical symptoms matter.
❗ High levels don’t always mean severe disease — can be temporary or reversible.
🥦 Eat liver-friendly foods: vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins.
🚫 Avoid: alcohol, unnecessary painkillers (like acetaminophen), crash diets.

Would you like this data presented in a PDF for patient education, or turned into a visual chart for your website/blog?

Kishor Kumar Seth