Liver Function Test Results: A Comprehensive Guide

The liver is one of the most important organs in our body, responsible for essential functions, detoxifying harmful substances, producing essential proteins, and regulating nutrients. 

When something goes wrong, your liver’s ability to perform these functions may be affected, leading to potential health problems. 

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are blood tests that provide a clear picture of how well your liver is functioning and help diagnose any underlying conditions.

This guide simplifies everything you need to know about liver function test results, including the normal ranges for these tests, what abnormal levels could mean, and how to interpret them for better liver health.

Overview of Liver Function Test Results

Liver Function Test results provide vital information about your liver’s health. These tests can detect signs of liver inflammation, damage, or improper functioning by measuring various enzymes, proteins, and substances in your blood. 

Whether you are getting tested as part of a regular health check-up or due to symptoms like fatigue or jaundice, understanding the results is key to protecting your liver health.

Normal Ranges for Liver Function Test Results

LFTs evaluate several markers to assess how well your liver is working. Here are the commonly tested markers, along with their normal ranges:

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT): 7–56 U/L
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): 10–40 U/L
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): 44–147 U/L
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): 9–48 U/L
• Bilirubin (Total): 0.1–1.2 mg/dL
• Albumin: 3.5–5.0 g/dL
• Total Protein: 6.0–8.3 g/dL

While these are standard reference ranges, they can vary slightly between laboratories due to differences in testing methods.

Factors Influencing Normal Values

Several factors can influence liver function test results, so it's important to take individual circumstances into account when interpreting them. These factors include:

• Age and Gender: The liver function test normal range for specific markers may differ between men and women, and levels may alter with age.
• Diet and Exercise: High-protein diets or strenuous physical activity can temporarily affect certain markers, like AST.
• Medications: Common drugs, including acetaminophen (paracetamol) and some supplements like vitamin A, can alter LFT values.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like obesity or diabetes may lead to subtle changes in test results even without clear liver disease.
• Alcohol Consumption: Recent or chronic alcohol intake can significantly impact enzyme levels, influencing LFT results.
• Acute Illnesses: Temporary conditions, like infections or dehydration, can also cause fluctuations in LFT markers.

Understanding these influences can help you and your doctor interpret results more accurately.

Interpreting Liver Function Test Results

Interpreting LFT results requires examining each marker individually to assess how your liver is functioning. 

Abnormal results, whether high or low, may suggest specific issues that need further attention.

Elevated Liver Function Test Results: Causes and Implications

LFT with higher-than-normal value leads to liver stress, inflammation, or damage. Let’s break down the common causes and what they mean for specific markers:

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT): ALT is found primarily in liver cells. When these cells are damaged, ALT levels rise. Elevated ALT often signals liver cell injury or inflammation caused by hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related damage.
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): AST is present in the liver and in muscles and other organs. High AST may indicate liver damage or muscle injury. Comparing AST and ALT levels can help pinpoint the cause.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): ALP is linked to the bile ducts and bones. Increased levels may suggest bile duct obstruction, liver inflammation, or even certain bone disorders.
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated GGT levels often signal alcohol-related liver damage, bile duct issues, or fatty liver disease.
• Bilirubin: This yellow pigment is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. High bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice and are often linked to bile duct blockages or advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis.

Low Liver Function Test Results: Causes and Implications

While most concerns revolve around increased markers, low levels of some markers can also indicate potential health issues:

• Albumin and Total Protein: Albumin protein made by the liver that helps transport nutrients and maintain fluid balance. Low levels may point to chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues.
• Bilirubin: Lower-than-normal bilirubin levels are rare but can occur in some genetic conditions affecting its production or metabolism.

Liver Function Test Results Chart

Charts are a helpful tool for visualising LFT results. It allows the patients and healthcare providers to quickly identify any abnormalities in liver function markers.

Visual Guide to Normal and Abnormal Ranges

Generally, a results chart lists each marker alongside with its normal range, with deviations highlighted to spot possible issues. 

A liver function test normal range chart serves as a valuable reference for what is considered normal versus abnormal, allowing you to quickly identify potential concerns with your liver health.

How to Interpret the Liver Function Test Results Chart for Health Insights

To get meaningful insights from the chart:

1. Identify the markers that fall outside the liver function test normal range.
2. Consider trends over time if multiple tests have been performed.
3. Discuss these findings with your doctor, who will factor in your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to form a complete picture of your liver health.

While the liver function test normal range chart is a great starting point, professional interpretation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common Conditions Indicated by Abnormal Liver Function Test Results

Abnormal LFT results may point to various liver-related conditions, including:

• Hepatitis: Viral infections like Hepatitis A, B, or C cause liver inflammation, often raising ALT and AST levels.
• Fatty Liver Disease: It’s a condition where excess fat builds in the liver, often linked to obesity or alcohol use, and can elevate ALT, AST, and GGT.
• Cirrhosis: Long-term liver damage from alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis can lead to scarring that disrupts normal liver function.
• Liver Cancer: Tumors in the liver may alter liver function test results, often causing significant increases in markers like ALP and bilirubin.

How to Prepare for a Liver Function Test

Proper preparation can ensure accurate results and make the testing process smoother.

Fasting Guidelines

Most LFTs require fasting for 8–12 hours before the test. This is because recent food intake can affect certain markers, such as cholesterol and glucose, which are indirectly related to liver metabolism. 

Referring to a liver function test normal range chart after fasting helps provide a clearer understanding of your results by comparing them to the standard ranges.

Medication Restrictions and Precautions

Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some may interfere with test accuracy. For example:

• Painkillers like acetaminophen can temporarily elevate liver enzymes.
• Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours before testing, as it can significantly alter results.

What to Expect During the Test

The test itself is simple and quick:

• A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
• The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, with results typically available within a few days.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on Liver Function Test Results

Knowing when to follow up with your doctor is just as important as understanding your test results.

Signs of Liver Damage or Disease

If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Dark-coloured urine or pale stools.
• Unexplained abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right side.

Persistent Abnormalities in LFTs

If multiple LFTs show consistent abnormalities, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic procedures, such as:

• Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to visualise the liver.
• Liver Biopsy: It's a process where a small piece of liver tissue is taken to examine for any signs of disease or damage

Early follow-up on persistent abnormalities can prevent more serious complications.

Get Accurate Liver Function Tests at Cadabams Diagnostics

At Cadabam’s Diagnostics, we offer accurate liver function test results with the help of advanced technology and skilled professionals. Our tests provide precise insights into your liver health, helping you and your doctor identify any potential issues.

Whether you need routine testing or are monitoring a chronic condition, our team ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. 

We also provide follow-up consultations to explain your liver function test results and guide you on the best steps for improving your health.

Trust Cadabam’s Diagnostics for reliable liver function test results and expert care tailored to your needs.