South Kensington Tube.
Liver Function Tests (Venous)
Code : LFT Turnaround time: 1 day
- Same Day Appointments
- Free Cancellation
Test Included: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) (SGPT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) (SGOT), Bilirubin (Total), Total Protein, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin, Globulin, Gamma GT
Prices listed on the website are exclusive of our phlebotomy (blood draw) fee.
A blood draw fee of £50 is payable for blood tests, urine tests and swabs carry no surcharge.
Liver Function Blood Test
A liver function blood test helps assess liver health by measuring key enzymes and proteins in the blood. The liver is responsible for digestion, metabolism and detoxification, so liver testing is crucial for early detection of liver disease, inflammation or damage. This test assists in detecting conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis or liver dysfunction occurring due to drug and alcohol consumption or some other cause.
What are liver blood tests?
Liver blood tests are also referred to as liver function tests (LFTs). They examine a few of the proteins and other substances that your liver produces. Having too much or too little of these in your blood is sometimes a sign of a liver disease.
However, these tests alone cannot inform you about how well your liver is functioning. There are many individuals whose blood test results are normal; despite they have some severe liver condition.
If you get these tests with your doctor, they will examine the results together with all your other medical information. If they believe there might be an issue, they will request further testing.
The outcome you receive can also change from day to day. Physicians will frequently recommend that you have the tests repeated in a week or two. Many individuals receive a result outside the normal range one time, but then it returns to normal.
What are included in a liver function test?
Alanine transaminase (ALT)
ALT is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. When the liver is damaged, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. This test is also referred to as SGPT.
Aspartate transaminase (AST)
AST is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism, found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Raised levels may indicate liver or muscle injury. This is also referred to as SGOT.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
GGT is a blood enzyme present in low amounts. Elevated levels of GGT could be due to damage of the liver or bile duct. It is non-specific because other diseases increase the GGT levels.
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Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is an enzyme present in the bone and liver and helps to break down proteins. Increased ALP in the blood could be a sign of liver disease or damage, such as a blocked bile duct. It can also signify a bone disorder since the enzyme is in the bones.
Albumin and total protein
One of the proteins synthesised in the liver is albumin. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance and transport hormones and drugs in the blood. Decreased albumin and total protein can signify liver disease or damage. Low albumin and total protein also could signify kidney-related or gastrointestinal disorders.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is synthesised from the breakdown of red blood cells. It is filtered through the liver and excreted in stool. Elevated bilirubin levels could be a sign of liver disease or damage. Elevated bilirubin levels can, in certain instances, be caused by some forms of anaemia and obstruction of liver ducts or inherited conditions such as Gilbert’s syndrome.
Liver Function Tests Results
Normal results for liver function tests are:
- Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 grams per decilitre (g/dL)
- ALP: 40 to 129 U/L
- ALT: 7 to 55 units per litre (U/L)
- AST: 8 – 48 U/L
- Total protein: 6.3 to 7.9 g/dL
- GGT: 8 to 61 U/L
- Bilirubin: 1 to 1.2 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)
These values are typical adult ranges. Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and by age or sex.
What to Expect During Your Liver Function Blood Test
Preparing for test
Please drink plenty of water before coming for your test.
During the test
The liver function test is a quick blood test, for which blood is taken from a vein close to the elbow inside the arm, with a needle.
Receiving the results
If you book only a blood test, results are emailed once ready. Doctor consultations for interpretation are not included in the test fee; please book separately for advice and follow-up.
Liver function blood test results will be ready in 24 to 48 hours. If your test is abnormal, your doctor might recommend a change in diet, a change in lifestyle or additional diagnostic testing in order to establish the reason and treat you accordingly.
Is a liver function test suitable for me?
A liver function test can be ordered if you have symptoms and signs of liver disease.
These symptoms may be:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen
- Jaundice
- Dark coloured urine and light coloured stool
- Itching
The liver is susceptible to a range of diseases and infections leading to inflammation, acute or chronic damage, bile duct blockage, fibrosis, liver failure and clotting disorders. Much of the damage to the liver can occur even before symptoms start to appear. Early diagnosis is important to reduce damage and protect liver function.
Contact Us Today
If you want to book a liver function test, contact our clinic Private Blood Tests London. You can call us on
02034759389 or mail us at info@privatebloodtestslondon.co.uk to schedule an appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The primary reasons for liver disease are frequent consumption of excessive alcohol, use of some medicines (prescribed as well as over-the-counter), overweight and infection like viral hepatitis. Other causes are less frequent and include cancer, autoimmune or genetic disorders.
Blood tests that include liver markers (like GGT and ALP) check on your liver function. Blood tests can detect markers of liver inflammation or damage, but mild or early disease may not always show up.
Liver blood tests assist in establishing if your lifestyle is affecting your liver function and also help in uncovering the cause of symptoms like jaundice. Our liver blood test can be employed as a screening test if you are at increased risk of contracting liver damage (for example, if you are an alcoholic or obese). It can also assist you in monitoring and following up changes if you have previously received abnormal liver blood test results.
No, fasting is not typically necessary prior to our routine liver blood test. However, you might be instructed to fast if your test is done in conjunction with other biomarkers like iron, cholesterol or blood glucose levels.
The diagnostic test booking process is easy at our Private Blood Tests London. You can call us, and we will arrange for the appointment to be made by one of our friendly and well-trained representatives. Alternatively, you can book an appointment through our easy-to-use website. As soon as we receive your query, we book the appointment.
We realise the value of time when it comes to health check-ups, and we will make sure you receive your report at the earliest to enable you to initiate medications and treatment on time. Reports are ready in 24 hours in most cases.
You will receive your results from the phone number or email address given. We adhere to sending timely and accurate reports, in accordance with the best standards in high-quality services.
How Private Blood Tests London Works
Order your test
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Provide your sample
Visit our clinic in South Kensington for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
View your results
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
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