LFT (Liver Function Test)

Key Components of a Liver Function Test:

1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):
   • What it measures: ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream.
   • Normal Range: 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L) of blood.
   • Elevated Levels: High ALT levels suggest liver damage, often due to conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver disease.
2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST):
   • What it measures: AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage but can also be linked to muscle damage or heart conditions.
   • Normal Range: 10 to 40 U/L.
   • Elevated Levels: Elevated AST levels may indicate liver damage, but since it’s also found in other organs, the cause may be from non-liver-related conditions like a heart attack or muscle injury.

When is an LFT Used?

An LFT is commonly ordered to:

• Diagnose liver conditions: Such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or fatty liver disease.
• Monitor existing liver diseases: To track the progression of liver conditions or evaluate how well treatments are working.
• Check liver health: In individuals who have risk factors for liver disease, such as heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease.
• Evaluate symptoms: Such as jaundice, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or swelling, which may indicate liver issues.