Liver Function Tests (LFT / Liver Panel)

Clinical evaluation, ACG 2021 abnormal liver chemistry patterns, hepatocellular vs cholestatic differentiation, and hepatic clearance monitoring for Liver Function Tests (LFT).

Editorial review complete

Independent clinical validation is pending.

Validation pending

Quick Reference Facts

Specimen TypeVenous Blood (Serum)
PreparationFasting optional unless ordered with lipid panel
Turnaround Time24–48 Hours
Clinical CategoryGeneral

Laboratory Interpretation Workflow

Stage 1 of 5

1. Clinical Indication

Ordering protocols based on clinical indications, presenting symptoms, or screening guidelines.

Clinical Pearl: Order when screening for primary organ dysfunctions or monitoring active treatment efficacy.

Test Description & Overview

Liver Function Tests (LFT / Liver Panel): Comprehensive biochemical assessment of hepatic cellular integrity (ALT, AST), biliary excretory function (Alkaline Phosphatase, Total/Direct Bilirubin (a yellow compound formed during red blood cell breakdown, checking liver health)), and synthetic metabolic capacity (Serum Albumin, Total Protein, Prothrombin Time/INR).

Standard Reference Range

ALT: Male 29–33 U/L, Female 19–25 U/L; AST: 10–40 U/L; Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): 44–147 U/L; Total Bilirubin: 0.2–1.2 mg/dL; Direct Bilirubin: 0.0–0.3 mg/dL; Serum Albumin: 3.5–5.0 g/dL.

Elevated (High) Values

  • Hepatocellular Pattern (ALT/AST >5-10x ULN): Acute Viral Hepatitis, Acetaminophen Toxicity, Ischemic Hepatitis, Alcoholic Liver Disease (AST:ALT ratio >2:1)
  • Cholestatic Pattern (Elevated ALP & Direct Bilirubin): Choledocholithiasis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), Biliary Stricture, Pancreatic Head Malignancy
  • Hyperbilirubinemia: Jaundice due to Hemolysis (Indirect), Hepatic Failure, or Biliary Obstruction (Direct)

Decreased (Low) Values

  • Hypoalbuminemia: End-stage Cirrhosis / Chronic Liver Failure, Severe Malnutrition, Nephrotic Syndrome, Protein-Losing Enteropathy
  • Low Total Protein: Severe Malabsorption, Advanced Hepatic Parenchymal Destruction

Clinical Alignment & Significance

Acute transaminase elevation >1000 U/L indicates acute ischemic hepatitis, acetaminophen overdose, or acute viral hepatitis; severe hypoalbuminemia with elevated INR indicates decompensated hepatic failure.

Diagnostic Guidance Notice

Standard laboratory reference ranges vary based on the testing facility. Significant deviations require immediate clinician review to rule out severe medical pathology.

Reference Citations & Evidence Sources

Clinical Guidelines & Consensus Statements
  • CIT-0072Boyer T. D., Feldman M., Friedman L. S.. "ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Acute Abdominal Pain and Acute Abdomen." American Journal of Gastroenterology (2021).DOI PubMed
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
  • CIT-0023National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Homeopathy: What You Need To Know." National Institutes of Health (2021).

AI & Generative Search Citation Block

Entity IDL0012
Entity Typelab-test
Content Versionv1.1.0
Last Reviewed DateJul 31, 2026
Evidence LevelTraditional-Literature
Suggested Academic/LLM Citation format (AMA Style)

Dr. Narayan Jethwani. "Liver Function Tests (LFT / Liver Panel)." Homeo Healthcare Clinical Platform. Version 1.1.0. Reviewed: 2026-07-31T20:30:00Z. Available at: https://homeo.healthcare/knowledge/lab-tests/lft

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