Liver Function Blood Test kit (LFT)
Biomarkers
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Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Normal Range: 7–56 U/L
ALT is an enzyme found primarily in liver cells. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation and are considered a sensitive marker of liver health. -
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Normal Range: 8–48 U/L
AST is an enzyme found in the liver as well as the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated AST levels may suggest liver damage but are less specific than ALT because AST is present in multiple organs. -
Total Bilirubin
Normal Range: 0.3–1.9 mg/dL
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction or problems with the processing and elimination of bilirubin. -
Albumin
Normal Range: 3.5–5.5 g/dL
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance and transport various substances in the blood. Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease or conditions affecting protein production. -
Total Protein
Normal Range: 6.0–8.3 g/dL
Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and other proteins in the blood. Abnormal levels may be associated with liver dysfunction or other underlying health conditions. -
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
GGT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver that helps process nutrients and detoxify harmful substances. Elevated GGT levels are most commonly associated with liver stress, excessive alcohol consumption, or bile duct problems. It is often measured alongside other liver markers to give a fuller picture of liver health.
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Globulin
Globulins are a group of proteins produced mainly by the liver and immune system. They play a key role in immune function, transporting hormones and nutrients through the blood. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or immune system disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is ALT a better indicator of liver health than AST?
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While both are liver enzymes, AST is also found in the heart and muscles. ALT is produced almost exclusively in the liver, so when levels rise in the blood it is a strong and fairly direct indicator that liver cells have been damaged or are under stress.
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What does high GGT usually indicate?
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GGT is often elevated by alcohol consumption or issues with the bile ducts. It is a very sensitive marker for liver stress.
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Why must I avoid high-fat meals at least 6 hours before collecting blood?
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High-fat meals can cause lipaemia, a condition where excess fat particles make the blood appear cloudy or milky, which can interfere with the laboratory's ability to measure your enzymes and proteins accurately.
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What happens if my results are outside the normal range?
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Abnormal results may indicate inflammation, fatty liver, or liver stress. Your report will contain remarks for these figures, and you should discuss them with a healthcare professional.
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Can medications affect my liver results?
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Yes. Many medications, including statins, antibiotics, and over-the-counter pain relievers, are processed by the liver and can influence enzyme levels.
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Does fitness and training affect these results?
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Yes. Intense exercise can temporarily elevate AST and ALT levels due to muscle repair. It is best to avoid heavy training for at least 48 hours before the test.
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What is the difference between Albumin and Total Protein?
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Albumin is a specific protein made by the liver; Total Protein measures Albumin plus Globulins (immune proteins) to give a full picture of the liver's protein synthesis.
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Are there any special instructions for collecting a liver blood test sample?
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Yes, and it is important to follow them carefully. Liver enzymes are particularly delicate. For this reason, our laboratory aims to receive your sample within 24 hours of collection. Please read the collection instructions thoroughly before you begin and post your sample on the same day it is taken, avoiding collection on a Thursday, Friday, or over a weekend to prevent delays in postal delivery.
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Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Test Preparation
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Liver Function
Fasting is not usually required before a liver function test. However, you should avoid fatty meals at least 6 hours before collecting your sample. You may be advised to fast if your liver test is taken alongside other biomarkers such as iron, or cholesterol levels.
Drink plenty of water 1 to 2 hours before the test, as this helps your blood to flow better.
Symptom Check
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Liver Disease
Liver disease often develops without obvious signs, making routine testing essential for early detection. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Jaundice: a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the bloodstream when the liver is unable to process it effectively.
Abdominal discomfort: particularly pain, tenderness, or swelling in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
Persistent fatigue: ongoing and unexplained tiredness or a general lack of energy, which can occur when the liver is struggling to filter toxins and support normal metabolic function.
Changes in urine or stool colour: dark or tea-coloured urine and unusually pale or clay-coloured stools can both indicate that bile is not being produced or excreted normally.
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite: a sudden or gradual reduction in appetite, or unintentional weight loss, can be an early indicator that the liver is not functioning optimally.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. A liver function blood test is a straightforward and effective way to assess how well your liver is working.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Your liver performs over 500 functions daily, filtering toxins, producing proteins, and regulating metabolism. Yet liver damage rarely causes obvious symptoms until it is already advanced. This home blood test measures seven key liver biomarkers, giving you a clear, quantitative picture of your liver health from a CQC-regulated UK laboratory.
Who this test is for:
- Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Individuals taking long-term medications that can affect the liver
- People managing conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or diabetes
- Those interested in fitness and training who want to monitor liver stress from supplements or intense exercise
Your results:
Delivered as a secure PDF report to your email within 1–3 working days of your sample arriving at our laboratory. Results are quantitative, showing your exact values alongside reference ranges and notes for any results outside the normal range. All samples are analysed on professional-grade clinical analysers in our CQC-regulated UK laboratory — the same instruments used in NHS and private hospital settings.
What is included:
Everything you need to collect your sample at home — lancets, collection tube, lab request form, prepaid UN3373 return envelope, tube pouch, swabs, alcohol wipes, plasters, and full instructions. Simply drop your sample in your nearest red letterbox — no post office visit needed.
Read more about liver blood tests and what your results mean
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
