Liver Function Test (LFT)
£99
20% off with code BFBL20
Biomarkers Included with the Liver Function Test (LFT) blood test
Scroll down for more information about each biomarker
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Bilirubin
Albumin
Gamma GT
Globulin
Total Protein
Why choose us for your Liver Function Test (LFT)
About the Liver Function Test (LFT) blood test
LFT can help show how well your liver is functioning and show signs of liver damage.
The main causes of liver damage or disease can be due to alcohol, drugs, unhealthy lifestyle as well as viruses such as hepatitis. In its early stages, liver damage can be reversed, which is why it is important to identify signs of liver damage early.
Biomarker information for Liver Function Test (LFT) blood test
Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme predominantly found in the liver. If the liver is damaged, ALT is leaked into the bloodstream therefore it is usually an accurate marker for liver inflammation and can indicate liver damage caused by alcohol, fatty liver, drugs or viruses (hepatitis).
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. Measuring it can indicate ongoing liver, gallbladder or bone disease.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it’s also in muscles and other organs in your body. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. The test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of haemoglobin from red blood cells. The liver collects bilirubin from the blood and passes it to the gallbladder which processes and secretes it into the bowel. Bilirubin causes the yellowish colour you sometimes see in bruises, due to red blood cells breaking down underneath the skin.
Albumin is a protein made mainly in the liver. It helps hold water within the blood, carry nutrients / other substances through the blood, and aid tissue growth for healing. Albumin also carries hormones around the body, therefore measuring the amount of albumin in the blood can help calculate how much hormone is available to your tissues.
Gamma GT, also known as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), is a liver enzyme which is raised in liver and bile duct diseases. It is used in conjunction with ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease.
Globulin is a term for a group of different proteins that the immune system and liver produce. Certain globulins bind with haemoglobin while others transport metals, such as iron, in the blood. There is a type of globulin known as an immunoglobulin, (another name for an antibody) which helps to fight infection in the body.
Total Protein represents the sum of the proteins albumin and globulin in your blood. Albumin and globulin have a range of functions including keeping blood within vessels, transporting nutrients and fighting infection. Abnormal levels can indicate malnutrition as well as a liver or kidney disorder.
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What does the Liver Function Test (LFT) blood test involve?
This blood test is just like a standard blood test.
You will be asked to uncover you left or right arm and suitable vein is found. A tourniquet will be placed and tightened around your upper arm allowing the veins to swell and a needle will be placed into your vein. A small quantity of blood is then drawn into tubes. Once the procedure is complete a small plaster will be placed onto the site which can be removed after a few hours.
How do I prepare
- The blood test requires access to the area of interest, therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- If you are unsure about the preparation, please contact us for further information.
How to find us
We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service we can which is why we are trusted by GP's, doctors, physiotherapists, midwives and many other healthcare professionals.
Our mission of better quality healthcare for everyone is at the heart of everything we do and drives us to do the best we can for each and every patient that we see. Our team of experts have years of experience and are fully registered and regulated meaning you are in safe hands with us.
Liver Function Test (LFT) FAQ's
Important Notes
- We may require details of your GP / Health Care Professional before or at the time of the test.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- Blood results require interpretation. All results should be interpreted by your regular health care professional / GP.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 16 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.