LFT (liver function test): normal values, what high results mean and price in Pakistan
What a liver function test (LFT) checks, typical normal ranges for ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin, common causes of abnormal results in Pakistan, and how to compare LFT prices.
3 min readUpdated 31 October 2026
This is general information only, not medical advice. Please always confirm with your medical consultant or a certified doctor before using any medicine, test or treatment.
A liver function test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that shows how healthy your liver is. Doctors order it for jaundice (yarqan, peelia), stomach pain, tiredness, before starting some medicines, and in routine check-ups. In Pakistan, where fatty liver and hepatitis are common, it is one of the most ordered tests.
Compare LFT prices at labs near you.
What an LFT includes
- ALT (SGPT): an enzyme mostly in the liver. Rises when liver cells are injured.
- AST (SGOT): also rises with liver injury, and with muscle or heart damage.
- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): rises when bile flow is blocked, and with bone growth in children.
- Bilirubin (total and direct): high bilirubin makes the eyes and skin yellow. See the serum bilirubin test.
- Albumin and total protein: made by the liver; low levels can mean long-term liver disease or poor nutrition.
- Sometimes GGT.
Typical adult ranges
Use the range printed on your own report, because labs differ. Typical values:
| Test | Typical adult range |
|---|---|
| ALT (SGPT) | up to about 40 U/L |
| AST (SGOT) | up to about 40 U/L |
| ALP | about 40 to 130 U/L |
| Total bilirubin | about 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL |
| Albumin | about 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL |
Common causes of abnormal LFT in Pakistan
- Fatty liver (NAFLD): very common with weight gain, diabetes and high cholesterol. ALT is often mildly raised.
- Viral hepatitis: hepatitis A and E (from unsafe water and food) cause short-term jaundice; hepatitis B and C can damage the liver silently for years. Read our hepatitis B and C test guide.
- Medicines: some TB medicines, some antibiotics, and too much paracetamol (safe dose guide). Herbal and "desi" remedies can also harm the liver.
- Gallstones or a blocked bile duct: ALP and bilirubin rise, often with pain on the upper right side.
- Alcohol.
A slightly raised ALT on one test is common and often settles. Your doctor may repeat the test, or order an ultrasound and tests such as HBsAg and anti-HCV.
How to prepare
Many labs ask for 8 to 12 hours of fasting for an LFT, especially when done with a lipid profile or fasting sugar. Water is fine. Tell the lab about medicines and supplements you take.
Medicines your doctor may use
Treatment depends on the cause. For some gallbladder and liver conditions doctors prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid; for chronic hepatitis B or C there are specific antivirals. Do not take "liver tonics" or herbal products without asking your doctor: some of them harm the liver.
See a doctor quickly if
- Your eyes or skin turn yellow, urine is dark or stools are pale.
- You have severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or black stools.
- There is confusion or unusual sleepiness with jaundice.
In an emergency call 1122 or see the emergency page.
LFT price and labs
Compare labs on the LFT test page, or browse labs in Lahore, labs in Karachi and labs in Islamabad. Many offer home sample collection.
This is general information only, not medical advice. Please always confirm with your medical consultant or a certified doctor before using any medicine, test or treatment.