A liver function test (LFT) is a group of blood tests used to assess liver health and to investigate or monitor conditions affecting the liver and bile ducts.
An LFT report may include SGPT/ALT, SGOT/AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin and other proteins. Because reference ranges vary between laboratories, your report’s own reference interval is important. LFT is often ordered alongside a kidney function test as part of a routine health checkup.
Important: An abnormal LFT does not automatically mean serious liver disease. Results should be interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, medicines, alcohol use and other tests.
LFT Quick Summary
| Parameter | What it indicates | Example reference range* |
|---|---|---|
| SGPT / ALT | Enzyme found mainly in liver cells | Lab-specific; often roughly 4–36 U/L |
| SGOT / AST | Enzyme found in liver and other tissues | Lab-specific; often roughly 8–33 U/L |
| ALP | Enzyme associated with bile ducts and bone | Lab-specific |
| GGT | Enzyme associated with bile ducts and liver | Lab-specific |
| Total bilirubin | Pigment processed by the liver | Lab-specific |
| Albumin | Major blood protein produced by liver | Lab-specific |
*Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and other factors. Use the range printed on your report.
What Is a Liver Function Test?
LFT is not a single test. It is a panel that can include enzymes, proteins and bilirubin. Doctors use the pattern of results to investigate liver inflammation, injury, bile-flow problems and other conditions.
ALT/SGPT is found mainly in the liver, whereas AST/SGOT is also found in muscles and other tissues. This is why doctors interpret ALT and AST together with the rest of the LFT.
SGPT / ALT: What Does It Mean?
SGPT is the older name for ALT (alanine aminotransferase). ALT is found mainly in liver cells, and increased blood ALT can occur when liver cells are injured.
Possible contributors to elevated ALT include fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver injury and certain medicines or supplements. Intense exercise and other factors can also influence results.
SGOT / AST: What Does It Mean?
SGOT is the older name for AST (aspartate aminotransferase). AST is present in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle and other tissues.
An elevated AST does not automatically mean a liver problem. Doctors often compare AST with ALT and other results to understand the likely source.
ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase
ALP is found in the liver and bones. An elevated ALP can occur with bile-duct problems, but it can also be elevated for bone-related reasons.
GGT and other results may help clinicians determine whether an ALP elevation is likely to be liver or bile-duct related.
GGT: Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
GGT is an enzyme associated with the liver and bile ducts. Alcohol use and some medicines can affect GGT, but a high GGT is not specific enough to diagnose a particular disease by itself.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes bilirubin and helps remove it from the body.
High bilirubin can contribute to jaundice, which may appear as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. The pattern of direct and indirect bilirubin can help a clinician investigate the cause.
SGPT vs SGOT: What’s the Difference?
| SGPT / ALT | SGOT / AST |
|---|---|
| More concentrated in liver cells | Also found in muscles and other tissues |
| More liver-specific | Less liver-specific |
| Interpreted with other LFT markers | Interpreted with ALT and other findings |
Neither value should be interpreted alone.
Do You Need to Fast Before an LFT?
A standalone LFT generally does not require fasting. If your LFT is combined with a lipid profile, fasting glucose or another test that requires fasting, follow the laboratory’s combined preparation instructions.
What If Your LFT Is Abnormal?
A mildly abnormal value may have several possible explanations and does not automatically mean serious liver disease.
Your doctor may consider:
- repeating the LFT;
- reviewing medicines, supplements and alcohol use;
- assessing metabolic risk factors such as obesity or diabetes, including your recent HbA1c if you have diabetes;
- checking for viral hepatitis when appropriate;
- ordering ultrasound or other investigations when clinically indicated.
Seek medical attention promptly if abnormal liver tests occur with significant jaundice, severe abdominal pain, confusion, vomiting blood or other concerning symptoms.
Who May Need an LFT?
An LFT may be ordered for people with:
- jaundice or yellowing of the eyes;
- abdominal symptoms;
- suspected or known fatty liver, which is also commonly linked with high cholesterol;
- hepatitis;
- regular alcohol use;
- diabetes or obesity;
- medicines that require liver monitoring;
- known liver disease.
Liver Function Test Cost in India
LFT prices vary by city, laboratory, number of parameters included and provider, and can change over time. It’s best to confirm the current price and included tests before booking rather than relying on an old number.
HealthPartner India works with trusted diagnostic partners — including Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Netmeds and Torus Health — so you don’t have to compare options yourself. Message us on WhatsApp with your city and requirement, and we’ll check current pricing and availability with our partners and place the booking on your behalf.
WhatsApp: +91 93479 68950
Note: an LFT is a blood draw processed at a partner lab, not a device — there’s no equipment purchase involved here, so this test always routes through the WhatsApp booking flow above rather than a direct link.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Reference ranges for SGPT/ALT, SGOT/AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin are indicative and can vary by laboratory, testing method, age, sex and other individual factors — always rely on the range printed on your own report. This content should not be used to self-diagnose liver disease or to start, stop or change any treatment. Seek prompt medical attention if abnormal liver tests occur together with significant jaundice, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or vomiting blood, or in a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately. HealthPartner India is a healthcare assistance service; we help customers access and book diagnostic tests through our partner network but do not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.
Medical references
- MedlinePlus, Liver Function Tests: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/liver-function-tests/
- MedlinePlus, ALT Blood Test: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/alt-blood-test/
- MedlinePlus, AST Test: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ast-test/
- Mayo Clinic, Liver Function Tests: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595
We are proud to partner with Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Netmeds and Torus Health to help our customers access diagnostic testing.
FAQ
What is a liver function test?
An LFT is a group of blood tests used to assess liver health, including enzymes, bilirubin and proteins.
What is the normal SGPT/ALT range?
ALT reference ranges vary between laboratories. MedlinePlus lists a normal ALT range of 4–36 U/L on its reference page, but your laboratory’s range should be used.
What is the normal SGOT/AST range?
AST reference ranges vary by laboratory. MedlinePlus lists 8–33 U/L on its reference page, but your own report’s range takes priority.
Do I need to fast before an LFT?
A standalone LFT generally does not require fasting, but combined tests may have different preparation requirements.
What does high bilirubin mean?
High bilirubin can occur for several reasons, including problems with red blood cell breakdown, liver processing or bile flow. Medical assessment is needed to identify the cause.
HealthPartner CTA
Want help checking an LFT from home? Send your requirement to HealthPartner India on WhatsApp and we’ll check current availability and pricing with our diagnostic partners and place the booking on your behalf.
WhatsApp: +91 93479 68950
HealthPartner India books your test through our partner network — including Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Netmeds and Torus Health — on your behalf; test availability, pricing, sample collection and fulfilment depend on the selected partner.