WHAT DOES A BLOOD TEST FOR LIVER FUNCTION SHOW?

A liver function blood test, often called an LFT, provides a detailed picture of how well your liver is working. The liver plays a central role in detoxification, digestion, metabolism, and energy regulation. When something affects the liver, changes can appear in the blood long before symptoms develop. This is why liver function testing is a key part of understanding your health.

A liver function test measures several different markers in the blood, each offering insight into inflammation, damage, bile flow, protein production, and overall liver health. If you want fast, accurate results, you can check your levels using a liver function blood test from One Day Tests, with laboratory reviewed results available within 24 to 48 hours.

A liver function test is not a single measurement. Instead, it is a group of blood markers that show how well the liver is performing its many functions. 

These include:

• Filtering toxins from the blood
  
  

• Breaking down medications
  
  

• Producing proteins such as albumin and clotting factors
  
  

• Helping regulate hormones
  
  

• Supporting digestion through bile production
  
  

Because these processes are wide ranging, an LFT looks at enzymes, proteins, and waste products to provide a complete overview of liver health. Abnormal levels can indicate inflammation, irritation, changes in bile flow, or reduced liver function. Sometimes a result is only slightly outside the expected range, which may not be serious but can guide further testing or monitoring.

A standard liver function test includes several markers. Each one tells a different story about what is happening inside the liver.

Liver Enzymes

Liver enzymes rise when liver cells become irritated or damaged. Common enzyme markers include:

ALT

Alanine aminotransferase is one of the most sensitive indicators of liver irritation. When ALT is raised, it often suggests that liver cells have released enzymes into the bloodstream due to inflammation.

AST

Aspartate aminotransferase is another enzyme found in the liver as well as other organs. When raised alongside ALT, it can point toward liver irritation or injury.

ALP

Alkaline phosphatase is found in the bile ducts. Raised levels may indicate blocked or reduced bile flow, though ALP can also rise in certain bone conditions, so it is interpreted alongside other markers.

GGT

Gamma glutamyl transferase often rises with bile flow problems, alcohol related liver changes, or medication effects.

LDH

Lactate dehydrogenase can rise when cells are damaged, including liver cells. Because it is not specific to the liver, it is usually interpreted with other markers.

Proteins

The liver produces important proteins that keep the body functioning.

Albumin

Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. Low levels may indicate long term liver changes or problems with protein production.

Total Protein

This measures a combination of different proteins in the blood and can help assess the liver’s ability to synthesise them.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow waste product formed when red blood cells break down. The liver processes bilirubin so it can leave the body. If bilirubin is raised, it may suggest liver disease, bile duct blockage, or blood cell breakdown issues.

Clotting Function

In some cases, additional markers such as prothrombin time may be checked to assess how well the liver produces clotting proteins.

All of these measurements work together to build a picture of how the liver is functioning.

A liver function test can reveal a range of potential issues. The results do not provide a diagnosis by themselves, but they help identify patterns linked to liver health.

Inflammation

Raised ALT or AST often suggests inflammation or irritation inside the liver. This may be related to infections, alcohol, medications, or immune conditions.

Bile Flow Problems

High ALP or GGT may suggest difficulty with bile drainage. This can happen if bile ducts are blocked or irritated.

Reduced Protein Production

Low albumin can indicate that the liver is not producing enough protein. This can occur in long term liver conditions or when nutritional intake is low.

Bilirubin Concerns

Raised bilirubin can indicate difficulties processing waste products. This may cause visible symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Medication Effects

Some medicines can alter liver enzymes. Doctors may recommend an LFT to monitor for side effects.

Long Term Liver Conditions

Consistent abnormalities across several markers may point toward chronic conditions such as fatty liver, scarring, or other long term changes.

Because each marker reflects a different function, doctors interpret all results together rather than individually.

Your doctor or healthcare provider may recommend a liver function test for many reasons.

Common reasons include:

• Persistent fatigue or unexplained tiredness
  
  

• Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes
  
  

• Dark urine or pale stools
  
  

• Persistent itching
  
  

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
  
  

• Monitoring the effects of medications
  
  

• Screening for viral infections that affect the liver
  
  

• Checking existing liver conditions
  
  

• Routine health checks for people with risk factors
  
  

Even if you feel well, a liver function test can be a useful part of general health screening, especially for people with lifestyle or medical risk factors.

A liver function test is simple and quick. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. Most people feel only brief discomfort.

In many cases, fasting is not required before the test. However, depending on the specific panel being checked, a clinician may sometimes advise fasting to ensure accurate results. After the sample is collected, it is analysed in a laboratory. Results are usually available within one to two working days through private providers.

Interpreting a liver function test involves looking at all markers together.

Doctors consider:

• How far results fall outside the reference range
  
  

• The balance between the different enzymes
  
  

• Whether changes are mild, moderate, or significant
  
  

• Recent illnesses or medications
  
  

• Age, general health, and lifestyle
  
  

A single abnormal result does not always indicate liver disease. Some results may be temporarily raised due to exercise, illness, or medication. If results are consistently abnormal, further testing such as repeat blood tests, scans, or specific viral screening may be recommended.

A liver function blood test shows how well the liver is performing key tasks such as processing waste, producing proteins, and supporting digestion. It can identify inflammation, changes in bile flow, and signs of reduced liver function before symptoms appear. This makes it a valuable tool for early detection and ongoing monitoring.

A liver function test from One Day Tests provides fast, accurate results and can help you understand your liver health with confidence.