Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
Liver function test (LFT) results explained
LFTs are a standard group of blood tests that show how your liver is working. They measure enzymes and proteins the liver makes, or releases when its cells are under strain. GPs order them in routine checks, to look into symptoms, or to keep an eye on a known liver condition.
Also printed as: LFTs, Hepatic function tests.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Total bilirubin | A yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. | 2–21 µmol/L |
| ALP | An enzyme from the liver and bile ducts, and from bone. | 35–104 U/L (women) 40–129 U/L (men) |
| GGT | A liver enzyme that rises with alcohol and bile duct problems. | 5–36 U/L (women) 8–61 U/L (men) |
| ALT | An enzyme that lives mostly inside liver cells. | 7–45 U/L (women) 7–55 U/L (men) |
| AST | An enzyme found in the liver, muscles and heart. | 8–43 U/L (women) 8–48 U/L (men) |
| Total protein | All the protein in the liquid part of blood. | 63–79 g/L |
| Albumin | The main protein in blood, made by the liver. | 35–50 g/L |
Good to know in Australia
- Australian labs share common reference intervals for every LFT except GGT, so most ranges should look the same whichever lab you use.
- Enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and GGT are reported in U/L. Bilirubin is in µmol/L and albumin in g/L.
- A raised ALP together with a raised GGT points towards the liver or bile ducts. A raised ALP with normal GGT and other LFTs suggests it may be coming from bone.
- LFTs are read together and often over several tests days or weeks apart, to see a pattern.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Liver function tests (LFT) result?”
Questions
Can I have abnormal LFTs without liver disease?
Yes. Short-term things like dehydration, a bad infection, muscle injury or pregnancy can push one or more results out of range.
Do I need to fast for LFTs?
No special preparation is needed for LFTs. Check with your GP if other tests on the same form need fasting.
Why is total protein on my report?
Total protein measures albumin plus all other proteins in the blood, including antibodies. It is often done at the same time as LFTs.
More for Australia
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.