Liver Function Tests: When Should you Get, Cost in India, Normal Range Values

LFT or liver function tests in medical language is a set of laboratory tests that are conducted to diagnose the presence of any liver disease and plan the treatment accordingly. It is a blood test that evaluates the function of the liver by measuring the levels of different parameters like bilirubin, proteins, and liver enzymes in the blood. In this article, have a look at the liver function test in detail, along with its cost and the normal range of all the parameters evaluated in the test.

When are the liver function tests done?

Since the liver is involved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, there are a lot of possible reasons due to which you can be recommended for a liver function test. These reasons include:

• Diagnosis of the liver diseases like hepatitis
• Monitoring the effect of a certain ongoing treatment on the liver
• Evaluate the damage caused to the liver due to conditions like cirrhosis.
• Analyse the side effects of certain medicines
• Having symptoms like nausea, jaundice, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, light-colored stool, or dark-colored urine. 
• Have a family history of liver disease
• Suffering from alcohol use disorder, that is, you lose your control over how much you drink
• Exposure to hepatitis virus

What is the cost of liver function tests in India?

The liver function test is a simple blood test that costs approximately Rs 370/- at Redcliffe labs across India.

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What is the normal range for the liver function tests?

Since liver function tests are a set of blood tests, therefore the normal value is different for different parameters evaluated in the test. The normal range for each parameter of the liver function test is:

• Serum Bilirubin: The optimum range for total serum bilirubin is 2 μmol/L to 21 μmol/L. The level of unconjugated bilirubin is less than 12 μmol/L and the level of conjugated bilirubin is less than 8 μmol/L. 
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): The normal range for serum ALT lies within 7 U/L to 56 U/L. 
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): The optimum range for normal serum AST lies between 0 U/L to 35 U/L.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): The optimum range for normal serum ALP lies within 41 U/L to 133 U/L.
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): The optimum level of GGT is 9 U/L to 85 U/L.
• 5’ nucleotidase (NTP): The normal range for NTP is around 0 U/L to 15 U/L.
• Ceruloplasmin: The normal plasma level of ceruloplasmin is 200 mg/L to 600 mg/L.
• α-fetoprotein (AFP): The optimum level of AFP is 0 μg/L to 15 μg/L.

Takeaway 

The liver function test is an important parameter to assess the condition of the liver. The test covers various parameters of the liver to evaluate its diseased state and the cause of disease accurately. The test helps doctors decide the treatment pattern that will benefit you in the best possible way. So, if you are advised for a liver function test, you must surely go for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I book a liver function test (LFT)?

At Redcliffe Labs, the liver function test can be easily booked from the comfort of your home. You can book your test by either calling our centre or by booking it online through our official website. A phlebotomist from Redcliffe labs will soon reach your place to collect your sample for testing.

2. How is the liver function test done?

The liver function test is a simple blood test. The blood sample is collected from your arms through a needle and then screened for different parameters in the laboratory.

3. Are there any risks associated with a liver function test?

No, since the liver function test is just like a normal blood test, it does not have any serious side effects associated with it. 

4. How can I improve my liver function?

There are some simple tips that you can follow to keep your liver healthy:

• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Stay hygienic
• Avoid consuming illicit drugs
• Follow directions when consuming any medicine