What You Need to Know Before Your Liver Function Test – Dr. Bharti Ahuja MD (Pathology)

A Liver Function Test (LFT) evaluates the level of specific enzymes and proteins in your blood to ascertain liver health. It is an important diagnostic tool that can indicate infection, damage, or disease in the liver. Dr. Bharti Ahuja MD (Pathology) summarizes the key components of this blood test performed at the best pathology, a local pathology near me, or reputable diagnostic center.

Typical components of a Liver Function Test 🔹 1. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) identifies liver injury or evidence of liver inflammation. 🔹 2. Aspartate Transaminase (AST) detects injury or damage to the liver, or certain muscle disorders. 🔹 3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specifies diseases of the bile duct or liver disease. 🔹 4. Albumin & total protein identify overall liver function and nutritional status. 🔹 5. L-Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) detects tissue damage such as liver cell damage, hemolysis, and more. 🔹 6. Prothrombin time (PT) assesses the clotting ability of your blood. Liver health is often reflected in laboratory analysis of this blood aspect. 🔹 7. Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) indicates disease and obstruction of the bile duct, and alcohol damage.

Look for fasting instructions before your test, if necessary. Regular LFTs will help with the early identification of liver problems and for optimal treatment.