🫀How to Read a Liver Function Test (LFT) Report
Got an LFT report with AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and more? Here's what each liver enzyme means and when you should be concerned.
Dr. Kavita Desai
Gastroenterologist
How to Read a Liver Function Test (LFT) Report
Your liver does over 500 jobs — filtering toxins, producing bile, storing energy, making proteins. When something goes wrong, it shows up in your blood. That's what a Liver Function Test (LFT) checks.
But LFT reports have a lot of acronyms. Let's decode them.
What Does an LFT Measure?
An LFT panel typically includes:
- SGOT (AST) — liver enzyme
- SGPT (ALT) — liver enzyme (most specific to liver)
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) — enzyme from liver and bones
- Total Bilirubin — waste product from red blood cell breakdown
- Direct Bilirubin — processed bilirubin
- Albumin — protein made by the liver
- GGT (Gamma GT) — enzyme that helps detect bile duct problems
Key Values and Normal Ranges
SGPT (ALT) — The Most Important Liver Marker
| Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 7 – 56 U/L | Normal |
| 56 – 200 U/L | Mild elevation |
| 200 – 500 U/L | Moderate elevation |
| Above 500 U/L | Severe (needs urgent attention) |
SGPT is found mainly in the liver. When liver cells are damaged, SGPT leaks into the blood. It's the most specific marker for liver problems.
SGOT (AST)
| Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 10 – 40 U/L | Normal |
SGOT is found in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. It's less specific than SGPT. The SGOT/SGPT ratio can help doctors determine the cause:
- Ratio < 1 = more likely fatty liver or viral hepatitis
- Ratio > 2 = more likely alcohol-related liver disease
Total Bilirubin
| Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0.1 – 1.2 mg/dL | Normal |
| 1.2 – 3.0 mg/dL | Mild jaundice |
| 3.0 – 10 mg/dL | Moderate jaundice |
| Above 10 mg/dL | Severe (emergency) |
High bilirubin = jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Common causes: hepatitis, gallstones, liver disease, rapid RBC breakdown.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
| Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 44 – 147 U/L | Normal |
High ALP can mean bile duct blockage, liver disease, or bone disorders. If both ALP and GGT are high, it usually points to a bile duct problem.
Albumin
| Level | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 3.5 – 5.0 g/dL | Normal |
Low albumin means the liver isn't producing enough protein. Can indicate chronic liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition.
Common Causes of Abnormal LFTs
| Cause | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|
| Fatty liver | Mildly elevated SGPT, normal bilirubin |
| Alcoholic liver disease | SGOT > SGPT, elevated GGT |
| Viral hepatitis | Very high SGPT/SGOT, elevated bilirubin |
| Bile duct blockage | High ALP and GGT, high direct bilirubin |
| Medication damage | Varies; certain drugs like paracetamol can spike SGPT |
Fatty Liver: India's Silent Epidemic
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 30–40% of urban Indians. It's caused by:
- Excess belly fat
- High sugar and refined carb intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Insulin resistance
The scary part: fatty liver has no symptoms in early stages. You only find it through blood tests or ultrasound. If ignored, it can progress to cirrhosis.
How scanura Helps
Upload your LFT to scanura:
- Flag abnormal enzymes with clear colour coding
- Explain what SGPT, SGOT, bilirubin mean in plain language
- Generate questions like "Should I get an ultrasound done?" or "Is my fatty liver reversible?"
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. scanura does not provide medical diagnosis. Always consult your doctor for medical decisions.
Medical References
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Get a liver function test
Visit a diagnostic lab for an LFT panel. No fasting is typically required, but check with your lab.
- 2
Check SGPT (ALT) levels
Normal range is 7-56 U/L. This is the most specific liver marker. Above 56 U/L indicates liver stress.
- 3
Review SGOT (AST)
Normal range is 10-40 U/L. SGOT/SGPT ratio helps determine cause: ratio <1 suggests fatty liver, >2 suggests alcohol-related.
- 4
Check bilirubin levels
Normal range is 0.1-1.2 mg/dL. High bilirubin causes jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
- 5
Review ALP and GGT
ALP normal range is 44-147 U/L. If both ALP and GGT are high, it suggests bile duct problems.
- 6
Consult a gastroenterologist
If SGPT is elevated above 200 U/L, consult a gastroenterologist urgently. Use scanura for instant explanations.