Liver Function Tests – Quick Guide to What They Check and How to Prepare

Ever wondered what a liver function test (LFT) actually tells you? In plain terms, it’s a set of blood checks that measure how well your liver is working and whether it’s under stress. The results give clues about enzyme levels, protein production, and how the organ clears waste.

Doctors usually order an LFT when you have symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, or if you’re on medications that can affect the liver. It also shows up on routine health screens for people with diabetes, obesity, or alcohol use.

Why doctors order liver function tests

An LFT looks at several key markers. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) rise when liver cells are damaged. High ALP (alkaline phosphatase) can point to bile‑duct problems, while low albumin suggests the liver isn’t making enough protein. Bilirubin tells you if the liver is clearing waste properly.

Seeing a pattern in these numbers helps your provider pinpoint issues such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, gallstones, or drug‑induced injury. It also guides treatment decisions—like whether you need imaging, a medication change, or lifestyle tweaks.

Getting ready for your LFT – Tips and what to expect

Preparing for an LFT is usually easy. Most labs ask you to fast for 8‑12 hours, especially if they’re also checking cholesterol or glucose. Drink water, avoid alcohol, and skip the heavy‑fat meals the night before.On the day of the test, a technician will draw a few milliliters of blood from your arm. The whole thing takes less than five minutes, and you can go back to your normal routine right after.

If you’re on prescription meds, keep taking them unless your doctor says otherwise. Some drugs, like statins, can affect liver enzymes, so the lab result might look different than expected. Let your provider know about any supplements or over‑the‑counter products you use.

After the draw, the lab sends the sample to a certified facility. Most results are ready within a day or two and arrive online or through your clinic. Look for the numeric values next to each marker and compare them to the reference range shown on the report.

When you get your numbers, don’t panic if something is off. Slight elevations are common and often reversible with diet changes, reduced alcohol, or adjusting medications. Your doctor will explain whether follow‑up testing or imaging is needed.In short, a liver function test is a simple blood check that offers a window into how your liver is handling its many jobs. Knowing what’s measured, why it matters, and how to prepare lets you approach the test with confidence and use the results to keep your liver healthy.

2

Aug

Ethambutol: Why Regular Lab Monitoring Matters in TB Therapy

Ethambutol: Why Regular Lab Monitoring Matters in TB Therapy

Learn how Ethambutol works in TB therapy, why regular lab checks are vital, and practical tips for spotting eye or liver side‑effects before they become serious.

VIEW MORE

Categories

Popular posts

Popular tags

© 2025. All rights reserved.