science
Lab Test
Liver Function Tests: What Your Results Mean
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that assess the health and function of your liver. The liver performs over 500 essential functions including filtering toxins, producing bile for digestion, synthesizing proteins, and metabolizing medications.
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What It Tests
ALT, AST, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGT, bilirubin (total and direct), albumin, and total protein.
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Why It's Ordered
LFTs are used to diagnose liver disease, monitor the effects of medications on the liver, assess liver damage from alcohol or viruses, evaluate jaundice, and screen people at risk for liver conditions.
Markers in This Test
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes elevated liver enzymes? expand_more
Fatty liver disease, alcohol use, hepatitis B or C, certain medications (especially statins, acetaminophen), obesity, celiac disease, and autoimmune hepatitis.
Can exercise affect liver enzyme tests? expand_more
Yes — intense exercise can temporarily raise AST and ALT from muscle breakdown. Avoid strenuous exercise 24–48 hours before a liver function test for accurate results.
Do I need to fast for liver function tests? expand_more
Fasting is not required for most liver tests, but it is recommended if the test is combined with a lipid panel or glucose test.
Can the liver heal itself? expand_more
Yes — the liver has remarkable regenerative capacity. Mild to moderate damage from fatty liver or alcohol can be significantly reversed with lifestyle changes. Severe cirrhosis is not reversible.
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