Call Us

How to Read and Understand Liver Function Test

Best Liver Transplant Surgeon in India

Liver Transplant & GI Surgeon | MBBS, MS, DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)

Schedule Consultation
Explore Liver Conditions
Key Components of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that provide information about the state of your liver and its functionality. These tests also indicate the levels of enzymes and proteins that exist in your blood. They tell us how well the liver is performing its regular functions. Here’s a breakdown of common LFT components and how to interpret them:

TestNormal RangeSignificance
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)7-56 units per literHigh levels suggest liver inflammation or damage, as ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver that helps the liver convert food into energy. If ALT levels are high, it indicates liver inflammation or damage.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)10-40 units per literLike ALT, high levels indicate liver damage, but AST is also found in other organs like the heart and muscles. When liver cells are damaged, the level of AST in the blood becomes elevated. If AST levels are high, it indicates liver inflammation or damage.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)44-147 IU/LHigh levels can indicate bile duct obstruction, liver damage, or bone disorders. If ALP levels are high, it indicates bile duct obstruction or liver disease.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)0-51 IU/LElevated GGT levels can indicate bile duct problems or alcohol abuse. If GGT levels are high, it indicates bile duct obstruction or liver disease, more specific to liver issues.
Total Bilirubin0.1-1.2 mg/dLHigh levels cause jaundice and indicate the liver’s reduced ability to process bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. If bilirubin levels are high, it indicates jaundice and problems with the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin.
Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin0-0.3 mg/dLElevated levels suggest a problem with bilirubin processing or obstruction of bile flow. If direct bilirubin levels are high, it indicates jaundice and problems with the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin.
Albumin3.5-5.0 g/dLLow levels may indicate chronic liver disease, as the liver synthesizes albumin. If albumin levels are low, it indicates chronic liver disease or other conditions affecting protein synthesis.
Prothrombin Time (PT)11-13.5 secondsProlonged PT may indicate liver damage, as the liver produces clotting factors. If prothrombin time is prolonged, it suggests liver dysfunction affecting the production of clotting factors.
Common Causes of Abnormal LFTs

In addition to understanding Liver Function Tests, we must also understand the common causes of abnormal LFTs:

  • Hepatitis: Viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune.
  • Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver often due to chronic alcohol use or hepatitis.
  • Fatty Liver Disease: Due to obesity or alcohol use.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can be the cause of liver damage.
  • Bile Duct Obstruction: Gallstones or tumors blocking bile flow.
  • Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to elevated liver enzymes.

Understanding your LFT results in context with your health and symptoms is crucial. Always consult with your doctor to interpret the results accurately and plan appropriate follow-up actions.

Schedule Consultation

Explore Liver Conditions

Understand your liver condition, symptoms, causes and advanced treatment options.

Take Liver Health Assessment

Liver Diseases

Excess fat build-up in the liver can lead to inflammation and serious complications.

Learn More

Chronic Liver Disease

Scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term damage and inflammation.

Learn More

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer develops when abnormal liver cells grow uncontrollably and may require carefully planned surgical, interventional, or multidisciplinary treatment.

Learn More

Liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is advanced liver scarring caused by long-term liver damage, which can gradually impair liver function and lead to serious complications.

Learn More

Liver Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that may result from viral infections, autoimmune conditions, medications, or other causes affecting liver health.

Learn More

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease where your immune system attacks your own healthy liver cells, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage.

Learn More

Acute Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when the liver can no longer perform essential functions, requiring urgent assessment, supportive treatment, and sometimes transplantation.

Learn More

Gall Bladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare and aggressive malignancy that originates in the inner glandular cells of the gallbladder.

Learn More

Fatty Liver

Fatty liver occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to metabolic health, lifestyle factors (Alcohol), and other underlying conditions.

Learn More

Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) develops in the ducts carrying bile from the liver and may require complex surgery, reconstruction, or cancer-directed treatment.

Learn More

Not sure which condition applies to you?

Our experts can help you identify the issue and guide you. 

Book An Appointment