Liver function tests

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Reviewed July 22, 2026

Definition

Liver function tests are common blood tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:

  • Albumin
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  • Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)
  • 5' nucleotidase
  • Prothrombin time, also expressed as international normalized ratio (INR)
  • Serum bilirubin
  • Urine bilirubin

Alternative Names

LFT

References

Daniels L, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.

Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 133.

Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 75.

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