Description
BML-GAS-022 — Liver Function Panel (LFTs)
What is the Liver Function Panel?
The Liver Function Panel (LFTs) from BiomarkersLabs.com measures the standard panel of hepatic enzyme and protein markers used universally to assess hepatocellular integrity, biliary function, and hepatic synthetic capacity. The LFT panel is one of the most ordered blood tests in clinical medicine — providing the initial biochemical characterisation of hepatic pathology across the full spectrum of liver diseases, from acute infection and medication toxicity through chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis to biliary obstruction and infiltrative disease. It is the first-line laboratory investigation for any patient with suspected liver disease, unexplained jaundice, elevated liver enzymes on routine testing, or risk factors for liver pathology. Specimens processed through CLIA-certified partner laboratories. Results delivered within 1–3 business days. Available in USA · EU · UK · Canada. Licensed practitioners only.
What does this panel measure?
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) — The most hepatocyte-specific enzyme in the panel. Elevated in hepatocellular damage from any cause — viral hepatitis, alcohol, NAFLD, drug toxicity, ischaemia, and autoimmune hepatitis. The primary marker of hepatocellular injury.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) — Hepatocellular injury marker also present in cardiac and skeletal muscle; less hepatocyte-specific than ALT. AST/ALT ratio above 2:1 is characteristic of alcoholic liver disease.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) — Marker of biliary and hepatic canalicular stress. Elevated in cholestasis, biliary obstruction, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, infiltrative liver disease, bone disease, and malignancy.
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) — Sensitive marker of hepatobiliary disease and alcohol consumption. An isolated GGT elevation with normal ALP suggests alcohol effect or drug enzyme induction.
Total and Direct Bilirubin — Bilirubin metabolism reflects conjugation capacity and biliary excretion. Elevated total bilirubin with predominantly direct fraction indicates hepatocellular or cholestatic disease; elevated indirect bilirubin indicates haemolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome.
Total Protein and Albumin — Markers of hepatic synthetic function. Reduced albumin in chronic liver disease reflects impaired protein synthesis. Albumin below 35 g/L is incorporated in Child-Pugh cirrhosis severity scoring.
Clinical indications
Hepatic disease screening and monitoring — initial biochemical assessment for any patient with suspected, known, or at-risk liver pathology.
Medication hepatotoxicity surveillance — statins, methotrexate, isoniazid, amiodarone, antiepileptics, and many other medications cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI); serial LFT monitoring during therapy identifies hepatotoxicity early.
Alcohol-related liver disease assessment — ALT, AST (particularly AST/ALT ratio), and GGT characterise alcohol-related hepatic injury and provide an objective severity marker.
Viral hepatitis monitoring — serial ALT and AST track hepatocellular inflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis B and C.
Suspected cholestasis or biliary disease — elevated ALP with GGT and bilirubin characterises intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis requiring imaging or ERCP investigation.
Pre-treatment liver function baseline — required before initiating hepatotoxic medications, chemotherapy, or herbal/supplement protocols with hepatic metabolic burden.
Autoimmune hepatitis monitoring — serial LFTs track disease activity and treatment response in autoimmune hepatitis managed with immunosuppressive therapy.
Sample type and collection
Sample Type: Blood (serum). No fasting required. Venepuncture at approved collection site. 1–3 business days. USA · EU · UK · Canada. No New York restriction. CLIA · IVDR · CE · HIPAA · GDPR · PIPEDA.
How to order
Register free at BiomarkersLabs.com. Licensed practitioners only. Pay per test.
FAQ
What does an isolated elevated GGT with normal other LFTs indicate?
An isolated GGT elevation with normal ALT, AST, and ALP most commonly reflects alcohol consumption, enzyme-inducing medication effect (phenytoin, rifampicin, barbiturates), or fatty liver disease. GGT is highly sensitive but non-specific for liver pathology — it rises with alcohol even below hepatotoxic quantities and with many medications. Clinical context is required for interpretation.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.