A liver function test or LFT is used to detect and monitor liver disease or damage. It usually consists of several tests that are run at the same time on a blood sample. These tests include measurement of liver enzymes level (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase, billirubin level, albumin level, total protein level.

This testing is performed by a medical technologist on a patient's serum or plasma sample.

Liver function test should be made if a person is taking a drug that can cause liver damage or when a person may have been exposed to a hepatitis virus. Liver function tests suggested when symptoms suspicious of a liver condition are noticed. These symptoms include: jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, vomiting of blood, bloody or black bowel movements, swelling or pain in the belly.

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