What Is a Liver Function Test?

A Liver Function Test (LFT) — also called Liver Panel or Hepatic Profile — is a group of blood tests that assess the health of your liver. The liver performs over 500 functions: metabolising nutrients, detoxifying the blood, producing bile, synthesising proteins and regulating cholesterol. When liver cells are damaged, enzymes leak into the blood — an LFT detects this damage.

Key Fact — India

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects an estimated 38% of urban Indians — making it the most common liver condition in India. NAFLD is directly linked to obesity, diabetes and high-carbohydrate diets. It is entirely preventable and reversible in early stages — but only if detected by a regular LFT.

LFT Parameters — What Each Test Measures

TestNormal RangeWhat High Level Means
SGPT (ALT)7 – 56 U/LLiver cell damage, fatty liver, hepatitis
SGOT (AST)10 – 40 U/LLiver or heart damage, alcohol
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)44 – 147 U/LBile duct blockage, bone disease
GGT (Gamma GT)Men: 8–61 | Women: 5–36 U/LAlcohol use, fatty liver, bile disease
Total Bilirubin0.2 – 1.2 mg/dLJaundice, liver failure, haemolysis
Direct Bilirubin0.0 – 0.3 mg/dLBile duct obstruction, hepatitis
Albumin3.5 – 5.0 g/dL—
Total Protein6.3 – 8.2 g/dLInfection, inflammation

Low albumin (below 3.5 g/dL) indicates advanced liver disease or malnutrition — the liver makes albumin. Low albumin causes swelling (oedema) and poor wound healing.

Understanding SGPT — The Most Important Liver Enzyme

SGPT (ALT — Alanine Aminotransferase) is the most liver-specific enzyme in the LFT panel. It is found primarily in liver cells and leaks into the blood when liver cells are damaged or inflamed.

  • SGPT 1–3x above normal: Mild elevation — often fatty liver, medications or recent strenuous exercise
  • SGPT 3–10x above normal: Significant damage — hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, drug toxicity
  • SGPT above 10x normal: Severe liver injury — acute hepatitis, acute alcohol toxicity, paracetamol overdose

Fatty Liver (NAFLD) — The Silent Indian Epidemic

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in liver cells in people who drink little or no alcohol. It is now the leading cause of elevated SGPT in India, driven by:

  • High-carbohydrate Indian diets (rice, refined wheat, sugar)
  • Rising obesity — especially abdominal fat in Indian body types
  • Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
  • Sedentary lifestyles

Early NAFLD is completely reversible with diet changes, exercise and weight loss. Advanced NAFLD progresses to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), cirrhosis and liver failure — hence early LFT detection is critical.

Book Liver Function Test at Home in Nashik

Complete LFT panel including SGPT, SGOT, bilirubin and albumin. 8–12 hr fast required. NABL-certified result on WhatsApp in 24 hours.

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Who Should Get an LFT in India?

  • Anyone with fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or yellow skin/eyes (jaundice)
  • Diabetes or metabolic syndrome — fatty liver is extremely common
  • Overweight or obese individuals — especially with abdominal fat
  • Regular alcohol consumers — even moderate intake raises liver enzymes over time
  • Long-term medication users — statins, anti-TB drugs, paracetamol, anti-epileptics
  • Hepatitis B or C — annual LFT monitoring essential
  • Annual health checkup — recommended from age 30 onwards as part of full body checkup

How to Prepare for LFT

  • 8–12 hour overnight fast required — eat nothing after 10 PM; plain water is fine
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before — alcohol temporarily raises SGPT and SGOT
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours — SGOT can be raised by muscle exertion
  • Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor