Liver Function Test (LFT): Purpose, Cost & Results
LFT test helps assess your liver health. Know the parameters, normal range and more.
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body — it detoxifies blood, produces proteins, and helps with digestion. A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that measure enzymes, proteins, and substances made or processed by the liver, helping detect damage or disease early.
What is an LFT?
An LFT is a panel of blood tests that evaluates how well your liver is working. It is used to screen for infections like hepatitis, monitor side effects of medications, and assess conditions like fatty liver, cirrhosis, or alcohol-related liver disease.
Parameters Measured in LFT
- ALT (SGPT): Enzyme that rises when liver cells are damaged.
- AST (SGOT): Enzyme found in liver and other tissues; elevated in liver injury.
- ALP: Alkaline phosphatase — high in bile duct issues or bone disorders.
- Total Bilirubin: Waste product; high levels cause jaundice.
- Albumin & Total Protein: Reflect the liver's synthesis function.
- GGT: Sensitive marker for alcohol-related liver disease.
Normal Ranges
- ALT: 7–56 U/L
- AST: 10–40 U/L
- ALP: 44–147 U/L
- Total Bilirubin: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL
- Albumin: 3.5–5.0 g/dL
- Total Protein: 6.0–8.3 g/dL
Why is LFT Done?
- Suspected hepatitis or jaundice.
- Monitoring long-term medication (statins, TB drugs, painkillers).
- Chronic alcohol use.
- Family history of liver disease.
- Symptoms like fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or yellow eyes/skin.
Preparation and Procedure
Fasting for 8–12 hours is usually recommended. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. Results are typically available the same day or within 24 hours.
LFT Cost in India
An LFT test in India generally costs between ₹300 and ₹800 depending on the lab and panel. At Easy Scan Care, we offer NABL-accredited reports at transparent prices with free home sample collection.
