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Here are some general guidelines to prepare for a Liver Function Test (LFT):
Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as certain medications can affect the results of the LFT. Your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking certain medications before the test.
Alcohol and caffeine: Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before the test, as they can affect liver function and may skew the results.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or the laboratory to know the specific instructions for the LFT.
It is recommended:
- To check for damage to the liver due to liver infections or hepatitis B and hepatitis C, especially if you suspect you have been exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis
- If you’re experiencing symptoms of a liver disorder like abdominal (stomach) pain, dark urine (pee), fatigue (feeling tired), itching, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), light-coloured stools (poop), loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting or have a family history of liver disease, such as fatty liver disease.
Certain tests are undertaken to check different aspects of liver function. For example, elevated alanine transaminase trusted source and aspartate transaminase disproportional to bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels often indicates liver disease.
The reports are available over email or WhatsApp within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample collection.
Can be done from home using a home testing kit that involves collecting a blood sample using a blood collection kit.
Fasting is not required. However, your doctor may ask you to fast for 10 to 12 hours. Since some foods and medicines may interfere with your test results your doctor may ask you to avoid certain food and medicines before taking the test.