Liver function tests- what can it show you?
Channel: Pathology Tests Explained
Date: 2023-03-13

If you’ve had Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and received the results, this video helps explain the most common items you’ll see on the form.  

Liver functions tests are used to screen for, detect, evaluate and monitor acute and chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis), infection, liver disease and/or damage.  Results forms vary from lab to lab but typically they include the same measurements. The aim is to give you correct background information so you can ask the right questions of your doctor.

This short video shows an example of a test results form,  talks about the various components, and what the levels might mean including: 

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 
• Gamma Glutamyl transferase (GGT) 
• Albumin
• Bilirubin
• All proteins

It does this simply, in plain language. It also talks about how the levels of these substances are compared with reference intervals (reference ranges).