Liver Function Tests
Liver Function Tests assess how well your liver is working. This panel evaluates liver enzymes, bile flow, protein production and iron storage.
Turnaround time
1 day
Biomarkers count
7
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Details about Liver Function Tests
What are Liver Function Tests (LFTs)?
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests used to assess the health and function of the liver. They measure enzymes, proteins and substances processed by the liver, helping detect inflammation, injury, obstruction or impaired liver function.
This extended panel includes:
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – liver cell injury
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – liver and muscle damage
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – bile duct and bone health
- Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) – bile flow and alcohol-related injury
- Total Bilirubin – liver processing and bile excretion
- Albumin – liver protein synthesis
- Ferritin – iron storage and liver iron overload
Together, these markers provide a comprehensive overview of liver health and metabolic stress on the liver.
Why do I need Liver Function Tests?
Liver disease often develops silently. LFTs help identify liver stress or damage early, before symptoms appear.
You may need Liver Function Tests if you:
- Have fatigue or unexplained weakness
- Have abdominal discomfort or jaundice
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Take long-term medication
- Have metabolic syndrome or diabetes
- Have fatty liver disease risk
- Have abnormal previous blood tests
- Need routine health screening
Symptoms and conditions linked to abnormal LFTs include:
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Swelling in legs or abdomen
- Iron overload (haemochromatosis)
Benefits of Liver Function Tests
- Comprehensive liver assessment
Evaluates multiple aspects of liver health. - Detects liver inflammation early
Identifies enzyme elevation before symptoms. - Assesses bile duct function
ALP and GGT reflect bile flow problems. - Evaluates liver protein production
Albumin reflects synthetic function. - Screens for iron overload
Ferritin identifies excess iron storage. - Supports alcohol-related liver monitoring
GGT is sensitive to alcohol effects. - Useful in medication monitoring
Detects drug-induced liver injury. - Simple blood test
Single sample, wide clinical value.
Step by step – how the test works
You can access Liver Function Tests UK-wide through two options:
- Clinic appointment
Attend your nearest UK clinic where a healthcare professional will take your blood sample. - At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.
Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory and results are delivered securely.
Your results explained
Low levels
- Low albumin may indicate chronic liver disease or malnutrition
- Low enzymes are usually not clinically significant
Typical UK reference context:
- Albumin: 35–50 g/L
Normal levels
- Suggest healthy liver function and iron balance
Typical UK reference context:
- ALT: < 40 U/L
- AST: < 40 U/L
- ALP: 30–130 U/L
- GGT: < 50 U/L
- Bilirubin: < 21 µmol/L
- Ferritin: 30–400 µg/L (sex-dependent)
High levels
- Raised ALT/AST → liver inflammation or damage
- Raised ALP/GGT → bile duct obstruction or cholestasis
- Raised bilirubin → impaired bile excretion
- Raised ferritin → iron overload or inflammation
Results should always be interpreted in clinical context.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.