Liver Function Test (LFT)
A focused test for SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin and more.
Overview
Measures SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, Albumin. A single-sample test processed at an NABL-accredited lab, with reports in 6 hours and a free doctor review.
The full panel
11 tests across 1 groupEvery parameter, grouped by body system — no clicking to expand.
What this test measures
Eleven markers that fall into two groups. The enzymes — SGOT/AST, SGPT/ALT, GGT and alkaline phosphatase — leak out of liver cells or bile ducts when they are irritated or damaged, so they measure injury. Bilirubin, albumin, total protein and the A:G ratio measure function: whether the liver is still doing its jobs of clearing pigment and manufacturing protein.
An LFT is ordered for jaundice, abdominal pain, suspected fatty liver, before and during medication known to affect the liver (including anti-tuberculosis and cholesterol drugs), for alcohol-related concerns, and as part of a general health screen where fatty liver is now the commonest incidental finding.
Symptoms that lead to this test
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine
- Pain or fullness in the upper right abdomen
- Persistent nausea, poor appetite or unexplained tiredness
- Itching without a rash
- Monitoring on long-term medication, or a fatty liver seen on ultrasound
Understanding your results
The pattern says more than any single enzyme. A rise in SGPT/ALT above SGOT/AST is the pattern most often associated with fatty liver or viral hepatitis; the reverse ratio, especially with a raised GGT, is more often seen with alcohol-related liver injury. A raised alkaline phosphatase with a raised GGT points towards the bile ducts, whereas alkaline phosphatase raised alone can come from bone rather than liver. Mildly raised enzymes are extremely common and often settle — muscle injury after heavy exercise raises SGOT, and many medicines cause a transient rise. A LOW albumin with a raised bilirubin is the combination that suggests the liver's function, not just its enzymes, is affected, and needs prompt medical review.
Indicative only. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and between testing methods, and shift with age, sex and pregnancy — always read your own result against the range printed on your own report, with the doctor who ordered it.
| Parameter | Indicative range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| SGPT (ALT) | 7–56 | U/L |
| SGOT (AST) | 5–40 | U/L |
| GGT | 8–61 (men) · 5–36 (women) | U/L |
| Alkaline phosphatase | 40–129 | U/L |
| Total bilirubin | 0.2–1.2 | mg/dL |
| Direct bilirubin | 0.0–0.3 | mg/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.2 | g/dL |
| Total protein | 6.4–8.3 | g/dL |
Why the preparation matters
Fasting is not strictly required for enzymes, but it is preferred when the sample is drawn with a lipid profile, and a fatty meal can make the serum turbid enough to interfere with some measurements. What matters more: avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours (GGT responds quickly), and avoid unaccustomed heavy exercise for two to three days, because muscle damage releases SGOT/AST and produces a liver-looking result from a perfectly healthy liver.
Who should consider this test
- Anyone with jaundice, upper abdominal pain or unexplained nausea
- People with a fatty liver seen on ultrasound
- Anyone on long-term medication that requires liver monitoring
- People who drink alcohol regularly
- Adults with obesity, diabetes or high triglycerides
Conditions it helps detect
How home collection works
Patient stories
96% recommend“The phlebotomist arrived exactly on time and was gentle. My report came in five hours with a doctor’s note.”
“Booked at night, sample collected next morning. The parameter breakdown is genuinely thorough.”
“Loved the free doctor review — she walked me through my vitamin D and thyroid results clearly.”