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Liver Function (LFT Test)

$49

The Liver Function Test (LFT Test) measures multiple proteins and enzymes produced by the liver to ensure that the liver is in healthy and working order. The liver is part of the body’s digestive system and is primarily responsible for metabolic functions. The liver filters blood from the digestive tract and processes chemicals that enter the body. Jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and nausea are common symptoms of a liver condition and good indication that you should get tested. Those with a history of liver disease, overweight individuals, heavy drinkers, and diabetics are at the highest risk of liver disease, but any adult is advised to receive a Liver Function Test periodically.

Testing Method:
Blood draw
Test Preparation:
None
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For our Liver Function Test (LFT), simply place your order online and stop by one of our 4000+ nationwide testing facilities at your convenience (no appointments). A member of the center’s staff will collect a small blood sample via the skin prick method, at which point your part of the process is done.

The sample collection itself takes only a few minutes, and most patients are in and out and about their day in under half an hour. From there, your sample will be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, and in as little as 24-72 hours, you’ll have full results regarding your liver health.

Common Liver Disease or Damage Symptoms

The liver plays an important role in critical body functions, including blood clotting, protein production, and metabolism. A large, meaty organ sitting at the base of your rib cage on the upper right portion of the abdomen, the liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and rids your body of toxic substances.

Disturbance of liver function can cause severe symptoms. Liver disease is the umbrella term for all the potential problems that cause the liver to fail to perform its functions. While it can be genetic, liver disease can also stem from various factors that damage the liver, including obesity, alcohol abuse, and viruses. 

Chronic liver damage from various causes, including chronic alcohol use and hepatitis, can lead to scarring (cirrhosis). Healthy liver tissue is replaced with fibrous or scar tissue, causing permanent damage to the liver. In the event of liver disease or damage, the loss of these vital functions can cause significant damage to the body.

Signs and symptoms of liver disease differ from patient to patient and depend on the specific cause. Sometimes, liver disease doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. If they do occur, the most common signs and symptoms that your liver is not functioning properly may include:

  • Urine color becomes darker
  • Stool may appear pale or light-colored
  • Skin and eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles
  • Abdominal discomfort and swelling
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Bruising easily
  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin

If you are showing symptoms of liver disease, your doctor will order Liver Function Test (LFT). In the event of an abnormal LFT result, your doctor may order more tests to confirm or rule out a particular diagnosis. An LFT can also be used to track the progress or treatment of an existing disease.

How to Interpret Your Results

The Liver Function Test (LFT) checks whether the liver is functioning correctly. Our LFT is a blood test that measures the level of certain enzymes and proteins in the bloodstream to diagnose liver damage. Abnormal levels of these specific enzymes and proteins — higher or lower than the normal range —can indicate liver disease.

You can access the results of your Liver Function Test (LFT) through an online portal. When you review your test results, you need to be extra careful to ensure that you get an accurate interpretation. Your Liver Function Test (LFT) result chart will likely include a ‘reference range’ and ‘flag columns.’

The reference range shows the level of the enzymes and proteins that the liver releases in response to infection or damage and whether it falls above or below normal limits. You can find the outcome of your Liver Function Test (LFT) under the ‘flag’ column, reported as either normal or abnormal.

What Are the Possible Complications of Liver Disease?

In most cases, the onset of liver disease is gradual, with no specific symptoms. Sudden loss of liver function can cause acute liver failure in people who don’t have pre-existing liver disease. Acute liver failure can cause serious complications, including Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) and bleeding.

FAQs

  • Our Liver Function Test (LFT) is considered a safe procedure. Aside from slight pain and some mild bruising from the skin puncture when drawing blood, which go away quickly, no significant health risks are associated with an LFT test.

  • Priority Lab Testing uses a highly precise, third-generation testing process for all blood tests, including LFT. While no test is 100 percent correct all the time, the outcome of our Liver Function Test (LFT) is likely to reflect the state of your liver accurately.

  • Liver Function Test (LFT) is a simple procedure that doesn’t require much preparation, although your doctor may have specific instructions. If you have further questions or concerns about preparing for a Liver Function Test (LFT), talk to your GP.