Written by Pooja Rawat, Medical Content Writer
If you've done your blood test and are confused about what LFT means and want to know if it is in the healthy range or not.
Here is the answer for you in a simple manner:
A liver function test (LFT) measures different substances produced by your liver, including proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin, to assess how well your liver is working.
When these values are in the normal range in your report, it generally indicates that your liver is functioning properly. But here is the one important point to remember: a single abnormal result doesn't automatically mean liver disease. Also, it does not completely rule out all liver issues.
Read this guide to learn about:
Here are the accepted normal liver function test range values for adults.
| Test | Normal range | Units |
| ALT (SGPT) | 7–55 | U/L |
| AST (SGOT) | 8–48 | U/L |
| ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) | 40–129 | U/L |
| GGT | 8–61 | U/L |
| Total Bilirubin | 0.1–1.2 | mg/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 | g/dL |
| Total Protein | 6.3–7.9 | g/dL |
| LDH | 122–222 | U/L |
| Prothrombin Time (PT) | 9.4–12.5 | seconds |
Liver function tests (also known as a liver panel) use a sample of your blood to measure several substances made by your liver, such as:
Note: The test does not rely on one marker; LFTs look into several enzymes and proteins together. This helps create a complete picture of liver function.
Many people search for the liver function test SGPT normal range.
SGPT stands for Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, now commonly called ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase). It is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells.
If in your test there is elevated SGPT, the common causes may include:
| SGPT (ALT) Result | Interpretation |
| 7–55 U/L | Normal |
| 56–100 U/L | Mild elevation |
| 101–300 U/L | Moderate elevation |
| Above 300 U/L | Significant liver injury possible |
Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment in the blood produced when old red blood cells break down and is a normal part of bile. Your liver processes bilirubin and get rid of it through bile.
High bilirubin in the LFT test report may indicate:
| Bilirubin Type | Normal Range |
| Total Bilirubin | 0.1–1.2 mg/dL |
| Direct Bilirubin | 0–0.3 mg/dL |
| Indirect Bilirubin | 0.2–0.8 mg/dL |
There are many conditions that can affect liver enzymes and proteins; hence, the results can be in the abnormal range.
Liver-Related Causes
Non-Liver Causes
Your doctor may order liver function tests if you have symptoms of liver disease or damage.
These include:
If you have any of the following high risk factors, your doctor may still order the LFT blood test:
For accurate results, keep the following points in your mind:
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fried or fatty foods, smoking and chewing gum, and intense exercise. Follow any fasting instruction given to you by the professional.
Follow your doctor’s advice, say no to alcohol, eat a balanced diet, lose excess weight if needed, exercise regularly, get good sleep, and avoid unnecessary medicines or supplements that carry the potential to put stress on the liver.
You will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for 10-12 hours before the test.
High ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) levels may indicate:
| Pattern | Possible Cause |
| ALT higher than AST | Fatty liver, viral hepatitis |
| AST twice ALT | Alcohol-related liver injury |
| Both significantly elevated | Acute liver damage or infection |
ALT and AST are the common liver enzymes. Liver enzymes are inflammatory markers produced by your liver cells.
A liver function test is one of the simplest and most effective ways to know what your liver is going through. Abnormal results don't always mean you have a problem with your liver. Other conditions can cause high or low levels of certain substances that these tests measure.
Understanding abnormal liver function test results can be complicated for you. So, it's wise to ask your provider to explain what your results say about your health.
You can assume LFT as a dashboard rather than a diagnosis. Just as a car's warning light signals that further inspection may be required, abnormal liver test results guide your doctor that you may need additional information through imaging, medical history, or specialized tests.

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