Liver function test
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that provide valuable information about the overall
function and health of the liver. These tests measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances in the
blood that reflect liver function.
1. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT):
- Normal range: 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
- Elevated levels of ALT indicate liver cell damage or injury, such as in hepatitis or liver disease.
2. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST):
- Normal range: 8 to 48 U/L
- AST is also released when liver cells are damaged, but it is less specific to the liver than ALT. Elevated
levels can be seen in liver diseases, heart conditions, or muscle damage.
3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP):
- Normal range: 45 to 115 U/L
- ALP is produced by the liver and other organs. Elevated levels may indicate liver or biliary obstruction,
bone disorders, or certain medications.
4. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT):
- Normal range: 9 to 48 U/L (males), 9 to 36 U/L (females)
- GGT is an enzyme found in liver cells and is often elevated in liver diseases, alcohol abuse, and certain
medications.
5. Total bilirubin:
- Normal range: 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
- Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels can indicate liver
dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.
Conjugated bilirubin: (Direct)
increases when conjugated bilirubin is not effectively eliminated.
Associated with urobilinogen as conjugated bilirubin is water soluble.
Normal range : < 0.3mg/dl
Unconjugated bilirubin:
Increases when bilirubin production exceeds ability of liver to conjugate it.
Normal range : 0.2 - 0.8mg/dl
Usually increased due to massive hemolysis.
6. Albumin:
- Normal range: 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
- Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Decreased levels may suggest liver damage or impaired
synthetic function.
Liver function test
7. Total protein:
- Normal range: 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL
- Total protein includes albumin and other proteins. Imbalances in total protein levels can provide clues
about liver function and other conditions.
8. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR):
- Normal range for PT: 11 to 13.5 seconds
- Normal range for INR: 0.8 to 1.2
- PT and INR assess the blood's clotting ability, which relies on the liver's production of clotting factors.