LFT Full Form

The LFT full form is Liver Function Test. It is also referred to as a hepatic panel, which is a group of blood tests providing information about the condition of a patient's liver. This test signifies the levels of albumin, protein, bilirubin, and liver enzymes, in the patient’s bloodstream. High or low levels in any of these imply that liver damage or disease is present. 

The liver serves several important functions in the body, including transforming nutrients into energy for the body and breaking down toxic substances. Your doctor may advise a liver function panel if you have symptoms of liver disease. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark yellow urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), and severe tiredness. The blood test can also be suggested by your doctor if you have recently been suffering from the hepatitis virus or taking a medicine that can cause liver damage.

Why are Liver Function Tests Done?

Your doctor may advise you to take this test to check for liver diseases such as hepatitis (an illness in which your liver swells and can have an adverse impact on your body). The common symptoms of liver diseases are as follows.

• Nausea or Vomiting tendency

• Lack of appetite

• Weakness or tiredness

• Yellowish eyes or skin

• Dark urine or light-coloured poop (less prevalent)

• Swelling in bellies (less prevalent)

However, these symptoms are very less likely to be observed. Your doctor may advise you to get a liver test done if you are more likely to have liver damage or disease. Consider the following cases for instance.

• If any family member of yours has been diagnosed with liver disease earlier

• If you are on medicines that can harm your liver

• If you have gallbladder disease or anemia

• If you are overweight, especially if you are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes

• If you have an alcohol using disorder

LFT Blood Test Full Form and Procedure

The LFT blood test full form is Liver Function Test. It is performed on blood samples by healthcare professionals. A blood draw is a rapid and straightforward procedure.

During a blood draw, a healthcare professional will disinfect the skin above a conspicuous vein in the arm. They may tie an elastic band, known as a tourniquet, a few inches above the puncture site, which will increase the pressure of the blood stream inside the vein.

Once the healthcare professional observes the vein under the skin, they will insert a hollow needle at a 30-degree angle. A collection tube will be attached at the other end of the tube. After collecting blood samples, your healthcare professional will release the tourniquet, remove the elastic band, and press a cotton ball or gauze strip on the puncture site. The healthcare professional will replace the cotton ball or gauze with a new one and apply an adhesive bandage over the puncture site. The blood sample for further analysis will be sent to the laboratory. The reports will help to diagnose any disease or damage to the liver.

Liver Function Test Type

There are different types of liver function tests with some complex names. Some common types of LFT are listed below.

Alanine Transaminase Test (ALT)- It is an enzyme that helps to break down the proteins and is mainly found in your liver. A greater level of this enzyme in the bloodstream implies that your liver is damaged.

Alkaline Phosphatase Test (APT): It is an enzyme in the cells that line the biliary ducts of the liver. A high level of ALP in the bloodstream signifies liver damage or disease, a blocked bile duct, or bone disease. 

Albumin and Total Protein Test: Albumin and Globulin are the proteins that your liver produces. Low levels of this enzyme indicate damage or disease. It is also important to check if your immune system produces globulin.

Aspartate Transaminase Test (AST): It is another enzyme produced in your liver. High levels of this enzyme in the bloodstream could be a sign of liver damage or disease.

Gamma-GlutamylTransferase(GGT): It is a microsomal enzyme found in biliary epithelial cells, renal tubules, and the pancreas. It helps in glutathione (antioxidant in plant, animal, fungi, bacteria, and archaea) metabolism by transporting peptides across the cell membrane.  High levels of GGT enzyme in the bloodstream could lead to liver or bile duct damage.

L-lactate Dehydrogenase Test (LDH): It is mainly found in body tissue, including liver. High levels of LDH may indicate liver damage. L-lactate Dehydrogenase isotype-1 is used for estimating damage to cardiac tissue, although troponin and creatine kinase tests are preferred.

Prothrombin Test: This test measures how long your blood takes to clot. If it takes longer, it indicates the sign of liver damage. Medications that are used for thinning the blood (known as warfarin (coumadin)) can also indicate longer prothrombin tests. Your doctor won't advise you to take this test until you have other liver tests done.

LFT and RFT Full Form

LFT and RFT full form is Liver Function Test and Renal Function Test respectively. Renal function test also known as kidney function test is a group of tests used to assess the function of the kidney. These tests are done to detect, evaluate, and monitor any chronic disease. These are simple blood and urine tests that are used to identify kidney issues whereas liver function tests, also referred to as hepatic panels, are groups of blood tests that provide information about the condition of a patient's liver.