LFT stands for Liver Function Test. It is a group of blood tests that are used to evaluate the overall health and function of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that plays a key role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification, and the LFT is an important diagnostic tool that helps to identify liver diseases and disorders.
The LFT includes several tests that measure different aspects of liver function. These tests include:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): This test measures the amount of ALT enzyme in the blood, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): This test measures the amount of AST enzyme in the blood, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): This test measures the amount of ALP enzyme in the blood, which can indicate liver or bone disease.
Bilirubin: This test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood, which can indicate liver disease or anemia.
Albumin: This test measures the amount of albumin protein in the blood, which can indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
Total protein: This test measures the total amount of protein in the blood, which can indicate liver disease or other health conditions.
Abnormal results on the LFT can indicate a variety of liver diseases and disorders, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The LFT is an important diagnostic tool that helps doctors to identify and treat liver diseases early, before they become more serious.