Liver Function Test (LFT)

Liver profile is done to check the overall health of your liver. Different parameters are often tested at the same time on a single blood sample and may include the following:

• Bilirubin total, direct and indirect
• Proteins like Albumin, globulin, A:G Ratio, serum protein
• Various enzymes like Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, Gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Liver function tests are most often used to:

• To diagnose liver diseases, such as hepatitis
• To monitor treatment of liver disease
• Check how badly a liver has been damaged or scarred by disease, such as cirrhosis
• Monitor side effects of certain medicines
  

  Who should do the Liver Function profile

  Your doctor will advise you to do Liver function Panel if he suspects any signs of liver damage. Some of the symptoms are as follows:

  • Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark-coloured urine
  • Light-coloured stool
  • Fatigue

  You may also be asked to do this test if:

  • You have a family history of liver disease
  • Alcohol consumption is very high
  • Previous infection or have signs of hepatitis infection
  • Taking any treatment that may cause liver damage