Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Liver function tests measure enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. The liver is the body's primary detoxification organ and plays critical roles in protein synthesis, bile production, and metabolism. LFTs can detect liver damage, inflammation, and impaired function long before symptoms appear.
What This Panel Screens For
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis (viral, autoimmune, toxic), cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, medication-induced liver injury, liver cancer, and overall liver synthetic function. The De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT) helps differentiate between types of liver damage.
Biomarkers Included
When To Get This Panel
When taking medications metabolized by the liver (statins, acetaminophen, methotrexate, antifungals). If you consume alcohol regularly, have obesity or metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or unexplained fatigue or jaundice. Essential for monitoring chronic liver conditions and before starting hepatotoxic medications.
Recommended Frequency
Annually as part of a comprehensive health check-up. Every 3-6 months for patients on hepatotoxic medications. Monthly during the first 6 months of new medications with known liver risk. More frequently if values are elevated.
How GATOR Normalizes Across Lab Vendors
GATOR unifies liver enzyme reference ranges across Function Health, LabCorp, and Quest. Importantly, GATOR uses tighter optimal ranges (ALT <25 U/L for men, <22 U/L for women) aligned with current hepatology research, while most labs still use older reference ranges (ALT <40-56 U/L) that may miss early fatty liver disease. GATOR also auto-calculates the De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT) for liver damage typing.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.