Your liver plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. It helps with digestion, filters toxins from the blood, stores energy, and produces proteins your body needs to function properly. But when the liver isn’t working as it should, you may start to notice signs like bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes (a condition known as jaundice), nausea, fatigue, or pain in the upper right side of your abdomen. These symptoms can be linked to several liver-related conditions, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, gallbladder problems, cirrhosis, or blocked bile ducts. A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a routinely performed blood test that measures key enzymes, proteins, and byproducts related to liver function. It provides valuable insight into the liver’s health and can aid in the early detection of liver injury or disease, often before clinical symptoms progress or complications arise.

What Is a Liver Function Test?

A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a panel of blood tests that evaluates the liver’s health and performance by measuring specific enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels in the blood. These tests are essential in both diagnosis and ongoing care. The primary purposes include:

• Detecting Liver Disorders: LFTs help identify a wide range of liver conditions, such as hepatitis (viral or autoimmune), fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, gallbladder disease, and bile duct obstructions.
• Monitoring Liver Health During Medication Use: Certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, statins, and chemotherapy agents, can affect liver function. LFTs are used to monitor for potential liver toxicity during treatment.
• Evaluating Response to Treatment: In patients with known liver disease, LFTs are used to assess how well treatments are working and whether liver function is improving or deteriorating.
• Investigating Unexplained Symptoms: LFTs can help pinpoint the cause of non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or jaundice, which may be linked to liver dysfunction.

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How to Prepare for LFT Test?

Preparing for a Liver Function Test is simple, but a few steps help ensure accurate results:

• Fasting: Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8–12 hours, especially if other tests are being done at the same time. Water is usually allowed.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take. Some can affect liver enzymes.
• Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can interfere with results.
• Eat Light: Avoid high-fat or heavy meals the day before, which could impact enzyme levels.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear clothing that makes it easy to access your arm for the blood draw.

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What to Expect During the Liver Function Test?

A Liver Function Test is a simple blood test that typically takes only a few minutes. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

• Preparation: You’ll be seated comfortably, and a healthcare professional will ask you to roll up your sleeve to access a vein in your arm.
• Cleaning the Area: The skin at the puncture site, usually the inside of your elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
• Blood Sample Collection: A sterile needle is inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn into one or more test tubes.
• Post-Collection Care: Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to stop any bleeding. A bandage is then placed over the area.
• Laboratory Testing: The blood sample is sent to a lab, where various liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels are measured.
• Results: Test results are usually available within 1–2 days and will be reviewed by your doctor to assess your liver function.

Understanding Liver Function Test (LFT) Results

The results help diagnose liver diseases, monitor liver function, and assess the impact of medications or lifestyle factors on liver health.

Interpreting LFT Results

Each component of an LFT provides valuable insights into liver function. Below is a breakdown of normal ranges and what abnormal values may indicate:

Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly by laboratory and individual health factors. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised interpretation.

Conclusion

Your liver plays a vital role in overall health, and symptoms like bloating, yellowish skin, and nausea should not be ignored. A Liver Function Test (LFT) provides a clear assessment of liver health by evaluating essential biomarkers. Early detection and timely medical intervention can help prevent serious liver diseases.