Understanding Your Liver Function Test (LFT): A Simple Patient Guide

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are common blood tests used to understand how well your liver is working. Many people in Bengaluru have LFTs done as part of routine check-ups or when they feel unwell. Abnormal results do not always mean serious liver disease, but they are a sign to meet a specialist for proper evaluation.

HEPATOLOGISTLIVER TRANSPLANT SURGEONGI ONCOSURGEON

11/26/20251 min read

1. ALT & AST (Liver Enzymes)

These rise when liver cells are irritated or inflamed.
Common reasons include:

  • Fatty liver

  • Alcohol use

  • Viral hepatitis

  • Medication effects

2. ALP & GGT (Bile Flow Markers)

These increase when there is a blockage in the bile ducts.
Causes can include:

  • Gallstones

  • Bile duct narrowing

  • Pancreatic or biliary issues

LFT results are best interpreted by a liver doctor such as Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu, who consults in Yelahanka and Electronic City.

What LFTs Measure- (What LFT tests Explained- in simple terms)

4. Albumin & PT/INR

These show how well the liver is functioning overall.
Abnormalities may indicate long-standing liver stress.

3. Bilirubin

This is the pigment that causes jaundice.
High levels may mean:

  • Liver inflammation

  • Bile duct blockage

  • Certain blood disorders

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu uses a systematic approach to interpret LFTs and identify whether the issue is related to fatty liver, bile ducts, viral hepatitis, or another cause.

Further Tests Your Doctor May Suggest

Not everyone needs more tests.
If needed, they may include:

  • Ultrasound abdomen — first-line screening

  • FibroScan — to check liver stiffness and fat

  • Viral hepatitis tests

  • Sugar and cholesterol tests

  • MRI/CT (only if required)

  • Endoscopic tests like MRCP/ERCP (for suspected bile duct problems)

Your doctor will decide which tests are truly necessary based on your condition.

When to Consult Hepatologist

Contact a specialist urgently if you notice:

  • Yellow eyes

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Drowsiness or confusion

  • Dark urine or pale stools

These may need immediate attention.

Important Note

LFT values should not be interpreted or treated at home.
Numbers alone cannot diagnose the condition, and starting or stopping medications without guidance can be unsafe.

A consultation with the best liver specialist in Yelahanka, Electronic city. ensures correct diagnosis and timely treatment.
For patients in Yelahanka and Electronic City, Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu provides comprehensive evaluation and guidance for abnormal LFTs.

Why LFTs Become Abnormal

Some common, everyday reasons include:

  • Fatty liver (very common in people with diabetes or high cholesterol)

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Viral infections

  • Reaction to medicines or herbal supplements

  • Gallbladder or bile duct issues

Abnormal values rarely explain the exact cause on their own.
A proper evaluation is always required.

What to Expect When You Visit a Liver Specialist

A liver doctor will look at:

  • Your symptoms

  • Your medical history

  • The pattern of LFT changes

  • Your ultrasound or other reports