Liver Function Test
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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.
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Liver Function Test in London
At Private Blood Tests London, we bring you comprehensive liver function tests (LFT) to examine the health and performance of your liver. We perform these tests to help you assess various essential substances in your bloodstream, allowing early detection of liver damage, infections, or diseases. Our same day appointments, accurate testing, and fast results enable you to take control of your health without any further delays. So, focus on your liver health today! Book your liver function test with our expert professionals for your best health results.
Liver function tests (LFT) are blood tests which are used to measure various substances produced by your liver. Your healthcare provider uses this test results to extract vital information about your overall liver health and how well it is functioning. A liver panel basically uses a blood sample to measure different substances released by your liver. These include substances from proteins to enzymes to other by-products.
Liver function tests are used to detect the levels of certain proteins and enzymes in your bloodstream. Abnormally higher or lower levels of these substances can indicate liver problems.
What do liver function test check for?
A liver function test (LFT) usually checks for the following substances:
Alanine transaminase (ALT)
An enzyme occurring in the liver, ALT converts proteins into energy in the liver cells. During liver damage ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing its levels to rise. This test is also known as SGPT.
Aspartate transaminase (AST)
Another enzyme called AST helps the breakdown of amino acids in the body. Just like ALT, blood usually contains AST in low levels. A raise in your AST levels can indicate liver disease, and liver or muscle damage. The other name for this test is SGOT.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is another enzyme occurring in the bone and liver and is crucial for breakdown of proteins in your body. Abnormally higher ALP levels can point to liver disease or damage, such as a blockage in the bile duct, or some other bone diseases as well as bones contain this enzyme.
Albumin and total protein
One of the several proteins made in your liver is albumin. Your body uses these proteins to perform several functions and fight infections. If you have abnormally lower albumin levels and overall proteins, it may suggest you are having liver disease or damage. Different kidney related and gastrointestinal conditions might also cause this low level of albumin or other proteins.
Bilirubin
When your red blood cells break down, a substance called bilirubin is released into your bloodstream. It passes through the liver first, and is then excreted with stool. Higher bilirubin levels usually suggest liver problems or damage. Conditions like blockage of liver ducts or specific kinds of anaemia might also result in increased bilirubin levels.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase test (GGT)
GGT is that enzyme present in the blood, higher levels of which mean damage in the liver or bile duct. It is a non-specific test, and the GGT levels might also rise in different conditions other than liver problems.
What can be diagnosed with a liver function test?
Liver function tests are not enough to thoroughly diagnose a specific liver disease, but it can guide your healthcare provider in identifying your problems while ruling out other possibilities. You might require further tests like a liver biopsy, imaging tests, or blood tests for specific viruses for the final diagnosis. Liver function tests can usually diagnose conditions like:
- Toxic hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Viral hepatitis A, B, or C
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Wilson’s disease
- Haemochromatosis
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Liver cancer
- Cirrhosis
When do you need a liver function test?
If you have been undergoing the symptoms of some liver disease or damage, you will need to get a liver function test. Common symptoms of liver problems include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pain and swelling in your belly or abdomen
- Jaundice, a condition where your eyes and skin turn yellow
- Light coloured stool or dark coloured urine
- Swelling in your legs and ankles
- Frequent itching
If you do not get any such symptoms, you should get tested when you are at high risk of liver damage:
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- A genetic history of liver disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis (swelling of liver due to injury or infection)
- Having some medication which induce liver damage
If you are already suffering from some liver disease, testing is crucial to monitor your current health status and also check on how effectively your treatment is progressing.
Why opt for Private Blood Tests London?
Here is why Private Blood Tests London is an excellent choice for your liver function testing:
Fast and Convenient
Unlike traditional healthcare settings such as the NHS, we prioritise speed and efficiency, ensuring minimal delays. At our clinic, there is no need to wait in long queues – we offer same day testing for urgent cases. Our extensive network of doctors and specialists ensures immediate care when you need it most.
Flexible Appointments
We understand that your time is valuable. That is why we offer appointments in the evenings and on weekends, allowing you to fit essential health check-ups into your busy schedule. In a fast-paced city like London, this flexibility is a significant advantage.
Confidential Environment
Your privacy is our priority. We provide a discreet and confidential setting for all blood tests, ensuring that your personal details and results remain secure. You can trust us to deliver your test results safely and privately.
Comprehensive Blood Testing
From routine health screenings to specialised diagnostic tests, we cover a wide range of blood tests. Whether you need checks for liver function, cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, or specific conditions such as diabetes, allergies, or thyroid disorders, we have you covered.
Quick Results
We understand the importance of timely healthcare decisions. That is why we ensure you receive your test results as quickly as possible, helping you avoid unnecessary delays in treatment.
What to expect for your liver function test at our clinic?
Here are how our healthcare experts perform your liver function blood test at our clinic Private Blood Tests London:
- Preparation
There are certain foods and medications which can affect the results of your liver function test. This is why our doctor might order you to avoid those foods or medicines before your blood test to avoid distortion of your test results.
- During the test
The test begins with one of our experts wrapping a compression band around your arm to make the veins stick out. This helps locating the vein easily. Next our healthcare expert will insert a small needle in to a vein at the bend of your arm to draw blood. A small amount of your blood sample is then collected in a small vial or test tube. As our expert inserts the needle into your arm and then takes it out, you may feel a slightly painful and pricking sensation. But do not worry as it is short term soreness and bruising which typically subsides within a few hours.
- After the test
After collecting your blood sample, our team sends it to a laboratory for further analysis and testing. If this analysis takes place in an on-site laboratory at our clinic, you can expect to get your results within a few hours. On the other hand, if this testing is performed at some off-site laboratory, it will typically take a few days for you to receive the results. If you are in a stable condition after the blood draw, our team will discharge you from the clinic. You are now free to resume your normal eating habits and routine medications.
Get in touch with us!
So, what are you waiting for? Take control of your liver health today! Contact Private Blood Tests London at [email protected] or you can directly call us on 02034759389 to book your appointment for liver function tests with our expert healthcare professionals.
How Private Blood Tests London Works
Order your test
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Provide your sample
Go to the Harley Street clinic 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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