Lab test · Hepatology
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Liver function
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Liver function
A liver function test is a group of blood tests that show how well your liver is working and whether it is inflamed or damaged. It measures bilirubin, the liver enzymes ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase, and total protein, including albumin, a protein made by the liver. Together these help your doctor look for liver inflammation, blocked bile flow and problems with how the liver makes protein.
Why a doctor may order it
- If you have jaundice (yellow eyes or skin), dark urine or pale stools
- To look for liver inflammation from hepatitis, fatty liver or alcohol
- To monitor the effect of medicines that can affect the liver
- If you have pain in the upper right of the tummy, nausea or unexplained tiredness
- As part of a routine health check-up
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You can eat and drink as normal before this test. Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor says otherwise, and tell your doctor about any herbal remedies or supplements you use, as some can affect the liver.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- At your home, the collector takes one small blood sample from a vein in your arm, and every test in the liver panel is run on it. The draw itself takes just a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
Your report lists each result next to the laboratory's reference range. Raised ALT and AST usually point to inflammation or injury of liver cells, while a raised alkaline phosphatase or bilirubin can suggest a problem with bile flow. A low albumin can reflect long-standing liver disease or poor nutrition. Your doctor will look at the pattern of results, not just one number, and may order further tests.
What's included
This test reports 7 measurements:
- Bilirubin (total and direct)
- ALT (SGPT)
- AST (SGOT)
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Total protein
- Albumin
- Globulin and A/G ratio
Related tests
- SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase, ALT)Liver health৳150
- SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST)Liver health৳150
- Serum Bilirubin (Total)Jaundice & liver check৳150
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)Liver & bile duct health৳450
- Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)Jaundice & liver check৳350
Questions people ask
What is the difference between SGPT and SGOT?
Both are enzymes released when liver cells are injured. SGPT (ALT) is found mainly in the liver, while SGOT (AST) is also found in muscle and the heart, so SGPT is more specific to the liver.
Can fatty liver cause abnormal LFT results?
Yes. Fatty liver is a common reason for a mildly raised SGPT. Some people with fatty liver have normal results, so your doctor may also suggest an ultrasound scan.
Do I need to fast for a liver function test?
Not usually, and you can eat as normal. If a fasting test is being done on the same morning, give the sample before breakfast so one blood draw can cover both.
Can medicines affect liver test results?
Yes. Some medicines, including certain pain relievers, antibiotics, tuberculosis medicines and cholesterol medicines, can raise liver enzymes. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor.
How much does a LFT test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the LFT test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the LFT report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.