Liver & Kidneys Fasting RequiredTurnaround: 6–12 hours (same day)

Liver Function Test (LFT / Hepatic Panel)

Also known as: Hepatic Function Panel, Liver Panel, Liver Enzyme Test, Liver Profile

Parameters Measured in the Report

A breakdown of individual biomarkers and biological reference intervals typically found in your report:

Biomarker	Standard Range	Unit	What It Means
Total Bilirubin (T. Bili)	0.2–1.2	mg/dL	Yellow pigment generated by the normal breakdown of aging red blood cells; processed by the liver.
Direct Bilirubin (Conjugated Bilirubin)	0.0–0.3	mg/dL	Water-soluble bilirubin that has been chemically processed by the liver for excretion in bile.
Indirect Bilirubin (Unconjugated Bilirubin)	0.2–0.8	mg/dL	Bilirubin bound to albumin prior to hepatic processing; elevated in hemolysis or Gilbert syndrome.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT / SGPT) (SGPT)	7–56	U/L	Enzyme found predominantly inside liver cells; the most specific marker of acute hepatocellular injury.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST / SGOT) (SGOT)	10–40	U/L	Enzyme found in liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, and kidneys; elevated in tissue injury.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (ALP)	44–147	U/L	Enzyme concentrated in bile duct cells and bone; elevated in biliary obstruction or bone turnover.
Serum Albumin (Albumin)	3.5–5.0	g/dL	Primary protein synthesized exclusively by the liver; maintains oncotic pressure to prevent swelling.
Total Protein (TP)	6.0–8.3	g/dL	Combined total of all circulating serum proteins (Albumin plus Globulins).

* Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between testing instruments and reagent kits. Always refer to the reference interval printed on your specific pathology report.

Clinical Focus

Bilirubin fractions, transaminases (ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and proteins (Albumin, Globulin).

Sample & Specimen

Venous blood (Serum tube)

Fasting Protocol

8 to 10 hours overnight fasting preferred to ensure clear serum without lipemia.

Turnaround Time

6–12 hours (same day)

What Is This Test?

The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a panel of biochemical blood tests designed to evaluate the metabolic, enzymatic, and synthetic health of the liver. The liver is your body’s largest internal organ and central metabolic processing plant: it detoxifies harmful chemicals, metabolizes medications, manufactures vital clotting proteins and albumin, and secretes bile for digestion. An LFT differentiates between acute liver cell injury (elevated transaminases), cholestasis or bile duct blockage (elevated ALP and bilirubin), and chronic synthetic failure (low albumin).

Why Did Your Doctor Order This Test?

Physicians routinely prescribe the LFT in the following clinical scenarios:

Investigating symptoms of liver dysfunction: jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), dark tea-colored urine, pale stools

Right upper abdominal pain, chronic nausea, loss of appetite, or unexplained abdominal swelling (ascites)

Routine monitoring of patients taking potentially hepatotoxic medications (statins, antiepileptics, antitubercular drugs)

Screening and surveillance of viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C), fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), or chronic alcohol intake

How to Prepare Before Your Test

Fasting Requirement: 8 to 10 hours overnight fasting preferred to ensure clear serum without lipemia.

Fast for 8–10 hours before the blood draw. Plain water is permitted.
Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours prior, as alcohol acutely elevates liver enzymes (especially GGT and AST).
Provide your doctor with a full list of over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements (e.g., acetaminophen, ashwagandha).

Understanding Your Results

What higher or lower readings generally mean in clinical practice:

If Values Are Higher Than Normal

Markedly elevated ALT and AST (hundreds to thousands of units) point to acute viral hepatitis, severe drug-induced liver injury, or ischemic insult. Mild elevations (50–150 U/L) are commonly seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and moderate alcohol consumption. Elevated ALP and Direct Bilirubin indicate cholestasis (gallstones or bile duct obstruction).

If Values Are Lower Than Normal

Low serum Albumin (<3.5 g/dL) indicates impaired hepatic protein synthesis due to advanced liver cirrhosis, severe malnutrition, or protein loss through the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an elevated SGPT/ALT always mean I have serious liver damage?

Not necessarily. Mildly elevated ALT is very common in non-alcoholic fatty liver, vigorous exercise, or temporary medication reactions. However, it is an important warning signal that requires physician review and lifestyle optimization.

Related Laboratory Tests

Tests frequently prescribed together or used as follow-up investigations:

Kidney Function Test (KFT / RFT / Renal Panel)

Serum Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), eGFR (filtration rate), Uric Acid, and Electrolytes.

Serum Amylase & Lipase (Pancreatic Enzymes)

Digestive enzyme concentrations manufactured by pancreatic acinar cells and secreted into the duodenum.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

Qualitative and quantitative detection of Hepatitis B virus outer surface envelope protein in blood.

Complete Blood Count (CBC / Hemogram)

Counts and evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Medical & Diagnostic Disclaimer

This guide is published for educational and patient informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or clinical advice.

A laboratory result that falls slightly outside standard statistical reference intervals does not automatically indicate disease; conversely, a normal result does not guarantee the absence of medical conditions. Only your attending physician can interpret lab findings in the context of your medical history, physical exam, and symptoms.