LFT Test Explained — Complete Liver Function Test Guide
- LFT checks the liver's health and function
- ALT (SGPT) and AST (SGOT) are the most common markers
- High values can indicate liver damage, hepatitis, or fatty liver
- Fasting is sometimes required — follow your doctor's instructions
- LFT is also common in routine checkups and medication monitoring
| Full form | Liver Function Test |
| Main markers | ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase |
| Sample | Blood test (venous) |
| Fasting | Required in some cases, your doctor will confirm |
| Common uses | Hepatitis screening, fatty liver, medication monitoring |
What Is an LFT Test?
LFT (Liver Function Test) is a group of blood tests that assess the liver's health and function. The liver is one of the body's most important organs — it clears toxins, produces proteins, and aids digestion. LFT helps detect early signs of liver damage or disease.
What Does LFT Check?
- ALT (SGPT) — a liver cell enzyme that leaks into the blood when cells are damaged
- AST (SGOT) — an enzyme found in both liver and muscle tissue
- Bilirubin — a byproduct of RBC breakdown; high levels cause jaundice
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) — an indicator of bile duct problems
- Albumin — a protein made by the liver; a measure of liver function
- Total Protein — overall liver synthesis function
Normal Ranges (Approximate)
| Marker | Normal Range |
| ALT (SGPT) | 7-56 U/L |
| AST (SGOT) | 10-40 U/L |
| Total Bilirubin | 0.1-1.2 mg/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5-5.0 g/dL |
Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab — check the range printed on your own report.
When Is LFT Ordered?
- Routine health checkup
- Hepatitis screening (Hepatitis B and C are common in Pakistan)
- Fatty liver monitoring
- For those on long-term medications — like TB medicines, statins
- Signs of jaundice — yellow skin/eyes
- History of alcohol consumption
- Unexplained fatigue or abdominal pain
What Abnormal Results Mean
- High ALT/AST — liver cell damage (hepatitis, fatty liver, medication effect)
- High Bilirubin — jaundice, bile duct blockage, or hemolysis
- Low Albumin — chronic liver disease or poor nutrition
- High ALP — bile duct problem or bone disease
Is a value on your LFT report coming back high? Discuss your report with a doctor on Ilaaj AI and learn next steps.
Discuss Your Report with a DoctorPreparing for LFT
Some cases require 8-12 hours of fasting, especially if a lipid profile is ordered alongside it. Confirm with your doctor or lab whether fasting is needed.
When to See a Doctor
- Any LFT value is abnormal
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Persistent fatigue, right-sided abdominal pain
- Long-term alcohol or medication use
Conclusion
The LFT test is an essential window into liver health — helping detect everything from hepatitis to fatty liver. Don't ignore abnormal results — discuss your report with a doctor on Ilaaj AI and learn the right next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting required for an LFT test?
Sometimes, especially if a lipid profile is ordered alongside it. Confirm with your doctor or lab — a general LFT often doesn't require fasting, but each lab may have its own policy.
What does high ALT or AST mean?
High values indicate liver cell damage — this could be from hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol effects, or certain medications. Your doctor may recommend further tests (like hepatitis screening or an ultrasound).
How often should I get an LFT?
Yearly is enough for a routine checkup if there are no risk factors. Those on long-term medications (TB medicines, statins) may need more frequent testing (like every 3 months) as advised by their doctor.
Can Hepatitis B or C be detected by LFT?
LFT itself doesn't diagnose hepatitis, but abnormal liver enzymes prompt doctors to order specific hepatitis screening tests (HBsAg, Anti-HCV).
What does high bilirubin on LFT mean?
High bilirubin causes jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) — it can be caused by liver disease, bile duct blockage, or RBC breakdown (hemolysis). See a doctor for further evaluation.
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