Know Your Test: LFT
LFT means liver function tests. It is done to diagnose liver diseases or damage. LFT measures the levels of bilirubin, liver enzymes and proteins present in your blood. It is a group of blood test. There are some certain conditions in which liver functions test is prescribed by doctors such as;
- Liver infection, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
- Monitor the side effects of certain medications.
- Side effects of heavy alcohol drinking.
- If you already have a liver disease, to monitor the disease and how well a particular treatment is working.
- In case of any liver disorder.
- If you are already a patient of diabetes, high blood pressure, or anemia.
How is it conducted?
This test is conducted by taking a blood sample from the body. A few drops of blood are taken from a vein in your arm using a needle. This blood sample is used to check the range of different substances of the blood. The names of these substances are Serum Albumin, Protein, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST or SGOT, Alanine Transaminase (SGPT),and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Bilirubin Prothrombin time and Lactate Dehydrogenase. If any substance’s level is higher than the normal level it may be indications of liver disease.
What is the normal range of LFT?
Table Below is the list of Normal Range of LFT Test
LFT Test Parameter Name | Unit | Normal Range |
---|---|---|
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE(ALP) | U/I | 42-98 |
BILIRUBIN -DIRECT | mg/dl | <0.3 |
INDIRECT-BILIRUBIN | mg/dl | 0-0.9 |
BILIRUBIN -TOTAL | mg/dl | 0.3-1.2 |
ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (SGOT ) | U/I | Less Than 31 |
ALANINE TRANSAMINASE (SGPT) | U/I | 10-28 |
GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE (GGT) | U/I | <38 |
PROTEIN – TOTAL | gm/dl | 5.7-8.2 |
ALBUMIN – SERUM | gm/dl | 3.2-4.8 |
SERUM GLOBULIN | gm/dl | 2.5-3.4 |
A/G RATIO | Ratio | .9-2 |
How to prepare for this test?
It is a simple blood test, You should do fasting; stop eating and drinking 8 to 10 hours before the test. You need to inform your doctor about the medication you are taking.
Average cost of the test in Siliguri?
The average cost of the liver function test is approximately Rs. 400 to Rs. 800 in Siliguri. You can get it test from any pathology lab in Siliguri.
Is a prescription required to do this test?
This test does not require a doctor’s prescription but if you see an abnormal situation you should consult a doctor before performing the test.
Where can I do this test?
You can get your liver function test in any pathology lab in Siliguri. Doctors also perform this test at their clinic or you can ask for a free home collection to any online available pathology lab.
Is this test painful?
This is a simple blood test few drops of blood are drawn using a medical needle and you will not feel any pain during the test.
Importance of the test?
The liver function test is also known as liver chemistries. This test helps you determine the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes and bilirubin in your blood. In case you already have a liver disease, LFT helps monitor the disease and how well is the treatment working. The test results could differ on the basis of age, gender, health condition, method of analysis, ethnicity and units of measurement.