Liver & Kidney Function Test (LFT & KFT)
Liver · Blood
Available at 0 labs
No lab currently offers this test.
About this test
What is a Liver & Kidney Function Test?
The LFT & KFT panel is a blood test that checks how well your liver and kidneys are working. It measures several chemicals that are produced or processed by these organs.
Key Parameters
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| ALT (SGPT) | Liver cell injury |
| AST (SGOT) | Liver and muscle injury |
| ALP | Bone or liver disease |
| Bilirubin (total & direct) | Liver excretion of waste |
| GGT | Alcoholic liver disease or bile duct problems |
| Albumin | Liver protein production |
| Total Protein | Overall protein status |
| BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) | Kidney filtration efficiency |
| Creatinine | Kidney filtration efficiency |
| eGFR | Estimated kidney function |
Why is it done?
- Routine health check‑ups
- Evaluation of symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue
- Monitoring chronic liver or kidney conditions (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis, CKD)
- Screening for drug‑induced liver injury before starting certain medications
Early Detection
This test can help identify signs of liver or kidney disease early, but it does not diagnose a condition on its own. A doctor interprets the results together with symptoms, history, and other investigations.
What do abnormal results mean?
- High values may indicate liver inflammation, bile duct blockage, alcohol use, or kidney dysfunction.
- Low values can suggest malnutrition, severe liver damage, or protein‑losing conditions.
Many factors—hydration, recent meals, medications, alcohol, strenuous exercise—can affect results, so repeat testing may be needed.
Who should consider this test?
- Adults with risk factors for liver or kidney disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, obesity, alcohol use)
- Patients on medications known to affect liver or kidneys
- Individuals with unexplained symptoms such as jaundice, swelling, or fatigue
In short: The LFT & KFT panel gives a snapshot of liver and kidney health, helping doctors spot potential problems early.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
Preparation
- Fasting – 8‑12 hours before the test; no food or drinks except water.
- If you are also having a fasting glucose or lipid panel, follow the same fasting period.
- Medication – Take your regular medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of water the day before; avoid alcohol and heavy exercise 24 hrs prior.
Procedure
A healthcare professional will draw about 10 ml of blood from a vein in your arm. The process takes 5‑10 minutes. You may feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted.
After the test
Apply gentle pressure to the puncture site and keep it clean. You can resume normal activities immediately.
Always confirm specific instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: Blood
Report parameter guide
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Enzyme indicating liver cell injury
Low: can indicate low liver enzyme production or mild liver dysfunction
High: may be related to liver inflammation, hepatitis, fatty liver, or drug-induced liver injury
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Enzyme found in liver and other tissues, indicating tissue damage
Low: can indicate low enzyme production or mild liver dysfunction
High: may be related to liver damage, heart attack, muscle injury, or other organ damage
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Enzyme linked to bile ducts and bone metabolism
Low: can indicate low bone growth or malnutrition
High: may be related to bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or liver disease
Gamma‑Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Enzyme reflecting bile duct function and alcohol use
Low: can indicate low liver enzyme production or mild liver dysfunction
High: may be related to bile duct disease, alcohol consumption, or liver damage
Total Bilirubin
Byproduct of red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver
Low: can indicate low red blood cell breakdown or liver uptake
High: may be related to liver dysfunction, bile duct blockage, or hemolysis
Direct Bilirubin
Bilirubin that has been processed by the liver
Low: can indicate low liver processing
High: may be related to bile duct obstruction or severe liver disease
Albumin
Main protein made by the liver, maintaining blood volume
Low: can indicate poor liver protein synthesis, malnutrition, or kidney loss
High: rarely high; may be related to dehydration or high protein intake
Total Protein
Sum of all proteins in the blood
Low: can indicate malnutrition, liver dysfunction, or protein loss
High: may be related to dehydration, chronic inflammation, or certain cancers
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Waste product filtered by kidneys
Low: can indicate low protein intake or liver dysfunction
High: may be related to kidney impairment, dehydration, or high protein diet
Creatinine
Waste product cleared by kidneys, indicator of kidney function
Low: can indicate low muscle mass or low protein intake
High: may be related to kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high muscle breakdown
Serum Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, HCO3)
Essential minerals for body fluid balance
Low: can indicate dehydration, hormonal imbalance, or kidney loss
High: may be related to fluid overload, kidney dysfunction, or hormonal excess
Glucose
Blood sugar level
Low: can indicate hypoglycemia or insulin excess
High: may be related to diabetes, stress, or hormonal disorders