If you’ve ever had symptoms like jaundice, swelling in the abdomen or legs, or fatigue, your doctor may have recommended a liver function test. This test helps evaluate how well your liver is working and whether there’s any sign of damage or disease.
Whether you’re looking to understand your liver function test report, check the normal range for liver, or know about tests like SGPT, SGOT, or GGT in liver function test, this guide will walk you through everything in a simple and clear way.
Why you may need a liver function test?
There are various serious liver conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis that, if left untreated, can be dangerous to your health. If you’re experiencing symptoms like jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or swelling in the abdomen or legs, your healthcare provider may recommend a liver function test to get a clearer picture.
What is a liver function test?
A liver function test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that measure the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and waste products produced or processed by your liver. These help determine whether your liver is functioning normally or if there’s an issue that needs medical attention.
You might also be asked to take this test to monitor ongoing liver treatment or check for any side effects from medications that may affect your liver.
Types of liver function tests
Here are the most common components of a liver function test:
1. Liver Enzyme Tests
ALT (Alanine Transaminase): Also known as SGPT in liver function test, this enzyme is released when liver cells are damaged.
AST (Aspartate Transaminase): Also known as SGOT in liver function test, this enzyme is found in the liver and other organs.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): High levels can suggest blockage of bile ducts or liver inflammation.
GGT (Gamma-glutamyl Transferase): GGT in liver function test is useful in detecting bile duct problems and alcohol-related liver disease.
2. Bilirubin Test
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels might indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.
3. Total Protein and Albumin Test
Your liver makes proteins like albumin. These tests check whether your liver is producing enough of these proteins.
4. LDH Test (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
LDH is found in many tissues including the liver. While not liver-specific, elevated levels can indicate tissue damage.
5. Prothrombin Time (PT)
This test checks how long it takes your blood to clot, which may be affected in liver diseases.
Liver function test normal range
Here’s a reference chart for normal levels:
Liver Function Test | Normal Range |
ALT (SGPT) | 7–56 U/L |
AST (SGOT) | 10–40 U/L |
ALP | 44–147 U/L |
GGT | 0–30 IU/L |
Bilirubin | 2–17 micromoles/L |
Prothrombin Time (PT) | 10.9–12.5 seconds |
Albumin | 40–60 g/L |
Total Protein | 3–8.0 g/dL |
If any of your values fall outside this range, it could indicate an abnormal liver function test, and you should follow up with your doctor for interpretation and next steps.
What do liver function test results mean?
Understanding what your liver function test report indicates is important. Here’s a quick breakdown:
High ALT (SGPT): Could suggest liver inflammation, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related damage.
High AST (SGOT): May point to liver damage, but also muscle injury. Usually considered alongside ALT.
High ALP: Often associated with bile duct obstruction or liver disease; may also be high during bone growth or disease.
Elevated GGT: Can indicate bile duct issues or chronic alcohol consumption.
High Bilirubin: May signal poor liver function, hepatitis, or blockage in the bile ducts.
Low Albumin: Suggests the liver isn’t making enough proteins, often seen in chronic liver disease.
Long PT: A delayed clotting time could be due to liver damage or vitamin K deficiency.
Low Total Protein: May reflect poor liver function or nutritional deficiencies.
If your values are outside the liver function test normal range, it’s best to consult your doctor. An abnormal liver function test doesn’t always mean serious disease, but it definitely requires further evaluation.
Liver function test price
The liver function test price can vary depending on the lab, location, and whether you’re getting the test as part of a health package. In India, the average cost typically ranges between ₹300 to ₹1000. It’s advisable to compare prices online or through health platforms before booking.
Conclusion
Understanding your liver function test report is key to keeping your liver and overall health in check. If your test results show elevated enzyme levels or low protein production, follow up with your doctor to explore further testing or treatment.
Early detection of liver issues can help prevent complications and ensure effective treatment. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms or are simply due for a check-up, don’t ignore it book your liver function test today.
See Also: Malaria Test: What Are The Common Diagnostic Methods You Should Know About?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is SGOT in liver function test?
SGOT (AST) is an enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids. High levels can indicate liver or muscle damage.
2. What is SGPT in liver function test?
SGPT (ALT) is more liver-specific and a key marker for liver cell injury. High SGPT levels are often seen in hepatitis or fatty liver.
3. What is the main test for liver function?
ALT (SGPT) and AST (SGOT) are considered the main markers for liver function. However, a complete liver function panel gives a more accurate picture.
4. What are the signs of poor liver function?
Common signs include:
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Fatigue
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Dark urine
Pale stool
Itchy skin
5. How to check liver function at home?
While there’s no substitute for a blood test, some home test kits are available that can collect your blood sample and send it to a lab. However, it’s best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
6. How long does liver function test take?
The blood draw takes only a few minutes, and most labs provide the liver function test report within 24 to 48 hours.
7. How often should liver function test be done?
If you have a known liver condition or are on medication that affects your liver, your doctor may recommend testing every 3 to 6 months. Otherwise, once a year during routine health checkups is usually sufficient.
