Liver Function Test (LFT)

Evaluates liver health across its key functions — detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. Measures ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, and total protein. The liver processes everything you eat, drink, breathe, and absorb through your skin, making it the body's primary detoxification organ. Fatty liver disease affects an estimated 1 in 3 Australians and is usually asymptomatic until advanced stages.

The liver is the body's primary detoxification organ, processing everything ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It metabolises medications, filters toxins, produces bile for fat digestion, synthesises proteins (including clotting factors and albumin), stores glycogen, and regulates cholesterol. Fatty liver disease — now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — affects an estimated 1 in 3 Australians and is usually asymptomatic. This panel measures seven markers that assess different aspects of liver function. ALT and AST are enzymes released when liver cells are damaged — ALT is more liver-specific, while AST is also found in heart and muscle tissue. GGT is particularly sensitive to alcohol and medication-induced liver stress. ALP (alkaline phosphatase) can indicate bile duct obstruction. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells processed by the liver — elevated levels cause jaundice. Albumin and total protein reflect the liver's synthetic function. Elevated liver enzymes do not always indicate serious disease — they can be temporarily raised by intense exercise, certain supplements, and common medications (paracetamol, statins, antibiotics). However, persistently elevated results warrant investigation, as they may indicate fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or alcohol-related damage. Fatty liver disease in particular is reversible in its early stages through dietary and lifestyle changes. ClearLabs recommends avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the test for the most accurate results. No fasting is otherwise required. Results are delivered within 2-3 business days through the digital dashboard, with each enzyme and protein displayed against reference ranges. This test is recommended annually for anyone taking regular medication, consuming alcohol regularly, or as part of a general health screen.