biochem LFTs

• LFTs


  Liver Function Tests
• LFTs


  • A group of blood tests commonly used to assess the health and function of the liver
  • They provide valuable information about the liver's ability to perform its various functions, such as synthesizing proteins, processing toxins, and producing bile
• Typical LFT panel


  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
  • Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
  • Total Bilirubin
  • Albumin
  • Total Protein
  • Prothrombin Time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)


  An enzyme found predominantly in the liver, elevated levels indicate liver cell damage or inflammation, often associated with conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)


  An enzyme found in liver cells, but also present in other tissues like the heart and muscles, elevated levels can indicate liver damage but are less specific to the liver than ALT
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)


  An enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, bile ducts, and bones, elevated levels may indicate liver or bone disease, or obstruction of bile ducts
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)


  An enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts, elevated levels are often seen in conditions involving bile duct obstruction, alcohol abuse, or liver disease
• Total Bilirubin


  A waste product produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction, obstruction of bile ducts, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells
• Albumin


  A protein produced by the liver, low levels may indicate liver disease or malnutrition
• Total Protein


  The total amount of protein in the blood, including albumin and other proteins, abnormalities can indicate liver disease or other health conditions
• Prothrombin Time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR)


  Measures the time it takes for blood to clot, prolonged PT or elevated INR may indicate impaired liver function, as the liver produces many clotting factors
• These tests are often used together to provide a comprehensive assessment of liver health and function
• Abnormal results may indicate the presence of liver disease, and further evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment