NHS App test results explained
Liver function test (LFT) results explained
Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that look for signs of liver inflammation, bile duct problems and how well the liver makes protein. GPs use them to check symptoms, to screen for liver damage, and to keep an eye on some long-term medicines.
Also printed as: LFT, LFTs, Liver profile, Liver blood 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ALT | An enzyme that lives mostly inside liver cells. | 7–45 U/L (women) 7–55 U/L (men) |
| ALP | An enzyme from the liver and bile ducts, and from bone. | 35–104 U/L (women) 40–129 U/L (men) |
| Total bilirubin | A yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. | 2–21 µmol/L |
| Albumin | The main protein in blood, made by the liver. | 35–50 g/L |
| Total protein | All the protein in the liquid part of blood. | 63–79 g/L |
| Globulin | Blood proteins that include antibodies, the infection fighters. | 20–35 g/L |
| AST | An enzyme found in the liver, muscles and heart. | 8–43 U/L (women) 8–48 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) |
Good to know in United Kingdom
- UK reports often call this a liver profile. What it contains varies by lab. One NHS hospital laboratory, for example, includes ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin and total protein, and runs AST and GGT on request.
- Globulin is not measured directly. It is the difference between total protein and albumin.
- ALP comes from bone as well as the liver, so a raised ALP is read alongside other results.
- Abnormal results can happen without liver disease, and normal results do not always rule it out. Your GP reads the pattern as a whole.
Call 999 in an emergency. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111. For questions about your test results, contact your GP surgery.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your results, 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 the NHS App or to any UK health record system, and its hospital connections are for US hospitals, not UK 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 (LFTs) result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast for a liver blood test?
No special preparation is needed for routine liver blood tests.
Can my liver results be abnormal if my liver is fine?
Yes. Severe infection, burns, injury, muscle damage from very hard exercise and pregnancy can all change one or more liver results.
Can I have liver disease and feel well?
Yes. Liver disease often causes no symptoms, or vague ones such as tiredness and feeling sick. That is one reason GPs use these tests.
Why does my GP ask about medicines and supplements?
Many over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements can affect the liver, so they help your GP read the results.
More for United Kingdom
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 999. Read the medical disclaimer.