What is the Liver and Kidney Function Test?

The Liver and Kidney Function Test is a blood test panel designed to evaluate the metabolic, detoxification and filtration functions of the liver and kidneys. These two organs play a critical role in processing nutrients, removing waste, regulating fluids and maintaining overall health.

This test measures liver enzymes, proteins, waste products and kidney filtration markers, providing a clear overview of organ performance. It is commonly used for routine health checks, investigation of symptoms, medication monitoring and early detection of disease.

Because liver and kidney issues can be silent in early stages, blood testing is often the first and most reliable way to identify problems.

What does the Liver and Kidney Function Test include?

This test includes 12 individual biomarkers, grouped below for clarity:

Liver Enzymes & Biliary Markers

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
• Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
• Total Bilirubin

Proteins & Nutritional Markers

• Albumin
• Total Protein
• Globulin

Kidney Function & Filtration

• Creatinine
• Urea
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

Electrolytes

• Sodium

These markers together provide a balanced assessment of liver health, kidney filtration capacity and overall metabolic function.

Why do I need a Liver and Kidney Function Test?

Liver and kidney function tests are commonly requested because early organ dysfunction often causes no obvious symptoms. This test helps identify issues early, allowing intervention before complications develop.

You may benefit from this test if you have:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or metabolic conditions
• Regular alcohol intake
• Use of long-term medications
• Abnormal results on previous blood tests

It is also widely used for routine health screening, medication monitoring and follow-up of known liver or kidney conditions.

Benefits of the Liver and Kidney Function Test

• Comprehensive organ assessment
  Evaluates both liver and kidney function in one test.
• Early detection of organ stress
  Identifies changes before symptoms appear.
• Monitors medication safety
  Important for drugs processed by the liver or kidneys.
• Assesses detoxification capacity
  Liver enzymes indicate how well toxins are processed.
• Evaluates kidney filtration efficiency
  Creatinine and eGFR assess waste removal.
• Supports chronic disease monitoring
  Useful in diabetes, hypertension and metabolic conditions.
• Simple blood test
  Quick and minimally invasive.
• Supports preventative healthcare
  Helps reduce long-term organ damage risk.

Step-by-Step – How the Test is Performed

• Book your blood test appointment online
• Attend your chosen UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The procedure takes only a few minutes
• Results are reviewed once available

Optional home blood collection may be available in selected areas.

Your Liver and Kidney Function Results Explained

Normal Results

What this means:

• Liver enzymes, proteins and kidney markers are within reference ranges

What it suggests:
Healthy liver and kidney function at the time of testing.

Mild to Moderate Abnormal Results

What this may show:

• Slightly raised liver enzymes
• Borderline creatinine or eGFR
• Mild protein imbalance

What it suggests:
Temporary stress, medication effects or early functional changes.

Significant Abnormal Results

What this may show:

• Markedly raised liver enzymes
• Elevated bilirubin
• Reduced eGFR or raised creatinine

What it suggests:
Possible liver or kidney disease requiring further investigation or medical review.