Essential things to know before scheduling LFT test

Mar 2022

Essential Things to know before scheduling LFT Test

The liver is one of the most essential organs of our digestive system since it aids in the digestion of food as well as the filtering of hazardous substances. The liver also aids in the storage of energy required for daily activities. Any disease with this organ can be highly dangerous and cause major disruptions in daily living.

The Liver function test (LFT test) is the type of blood test which is used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. By analyzing the amounts of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood, liver function tests, often known as liver chemistries, can assist determine the health of your liver. It can also track the course of an illness or its therapy.

Different compounds are frequently evaluated at the same time on a single blood sample, and these substances may include:

Albumin is a protein that is produced in the liver.
Protein in its complete form. The total amount of protein in the blood is determined by this test.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and gamma-glutamyl transferase are all enzymes that help the body break down amino acids (GGT). The liver produces a variety of enzymes.
Bilirubin is a waste product that the liver produces.
Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is an enzyme found in nearly every cell in the body. When cells are destroyed by disease or injury, LD is released into the bloodstream.
The protein prothrombin time (PT) is involved in blood coagulation.

The measure of the tests checks how well the liver is performing its normal functions of producing protein and clear bilirubin (blood waste product). And another liver function test evaluates the liver cells that release to give a response to illness or damage.

How is LFT Test used?

A Liver Function Test (LFT Test) is used some of the following:

An LFT test is to check for damage from liver infection or damage, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, it helps you to detect from you were exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis.
The side effects of certain medications that directly affect the liver include:
- NSAIDs
- Statins
- Antibiotics
- Antiseizure medications
- Tuberculosis drugs
If you are already suffering from liver disease, monitor or detect the disease or illness.
If you are already experiencing the symptoms of liver diseases or have a heredity or family history of liver disease like Fatty liver disease.
Already have Medical Conditions such as:
- High triglycerides
- Diabetes
- High blood Pressure
- Anemia
If you are an alcoholic or drink frequently
Gallbladder Disease

Why do you need liver function testing (LFT)?

If you have symptoms or suffering from liver disease that includes:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Dark-colored urine
Light-colored stool
Fatigue
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, nails)
Weakness
Weight Loss

Different types of LFT Tests (Liver Function Test)

The levels of various enzymes and proteins in your blood are measured in liver function tests. Higher or lower than usual levels may indicate an issue with the liver. The following are some examples of common liver function tests:

Alanine transaminase: is a kind of enzyme that converts alanine to (ALT). ALT is a liver enzyme that aids in the conversion of proteins into energy for the liver cells. ALT is released into the bloodstream when the liver is injured, and its levels rise.
Transaminase of aspartate (AST): AST is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of amino acids. AST, like ALT, is found in the blood at low levels. An increase in AST levels could be a sign of liver disease, illness, or muscle damage.
Phosphatase alkaline (ALP): ALP is an enzyme that breaks down proteins and is found in the liver and bones. ALP levels that are higher than usual can suggest liver injury or diseases, such as a blocked bile duct or certain bone diseases.
Total protein and albumin are two types of protein. The liver produces numerous proteins, including albumin. These proteins are required by your body to fight infections and conduct other functions. Albumin and total protein levels that are lower than normal may suggest liver injury or illness.
Bilirubin. Bilirubin is a chemical created when red blood cells are broken down normally. Bilirubin is excreted in the stool after passing through the liver. Increased bilirubin levels (jaundice) can suggest liver injury or disease, as well as some types of anemia.
Gamma-glutamyltransferase is an enzyme that converts glutamine to glutamine (GGT). GGT is a circulating enzyme. Higher-than-normal levels could suggest damage to the liver or bile ducts.
L-lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that dehydrates lactate (LD). The enzyme LD is present in the liver. Increased levels can suggest liver disease, but they can also be elevated in a variety of other conditions.
Time for prothrombin (PT): The time it takes for your blood to coagulate is referred to as PT. Increased PT can signal liver disease, but it can also be caused by blood-thinning medications like warfarin.

What is the procedure for a liver function test?

Your blood might be drawn in a hospital or at a specialist testing center. To administer the test:
Before the test, the healthcare specialist will clean your skin to reduce the risk of infection from any bacteria on your skin.
An elastic strap will most likely be wrapped around your arm. This will aid in the visibility of your veins. They'll then take blood samples from your arm with a needle.
After the draw, the technician will cover the puncture site with cotton and a bandage. A sample of your blood will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Result range

These are normal adult male results. Normal results differ from one laboratory to another laboratory and may differ slightly for women and children. The following are examples of normal blood test results for standard liver function tests:

ALT. 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
AST. 8 to 48 U/L
ALP. 40 to 129 U/L
Albumin. 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
Total protein. 6.3 to 7.9 g/dL
Bilirubin. 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
GGT. 8 to 61 U/L
LD. 122 to 222 U/L
PT. 9.4 to 12.5 seconds

Point to be Noted:

“Book an appointment for LFT Test at CNC Pathlab”

LFT tests offered by the CNC Pathlab are your best bet that enables you to get an in-depth analysis of your liver. It is done for diagnosing a variety of conditions, including screening for liver infections, monitoring the severity of a disease, etc. CNC Pathlab offers a reasonable LFT test price for your liver test. We have a troop of certified medical professionals having years of experience in conducting LFT blood tests. Our medical laboratory is equipped with the essential tools and machines that help us deliver well-analyzed and accurately generated reports. We are known for delivering a heightened sense of satisfaction in our services, and that is why we are widely admired by our esteemed customers.

Video consultations are held on CNC Pathlab for their patients by doctors or other specialists via live video contact the CNC Pathlab. CNC Pathlab's website now allows you to schedule video consulting consultations. Simply reserve a time slot on the website and video consult with your doctor.