Liver Function Test (LFT): SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin and What Your Results Mean

Quick answer: A Liver Function Test (LFT) includes the liver enzymes SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), often GGT, bilirubin (total, direct and indirect), and the proteins albumin and globulin. Mildly raised SGPT/SGOT is very commonly due to fatty liver, alcohol, certain medicines, viral infections or even recent intense exercise. High bilirubin causes jaundice. Low albumin can indicate long-standing liver disease or poor nutrition. Typical upper limits for SGPT and SGOT are around 40 U/L in many labs — always use the range on your report.

The liver quietly handles hundreds of jobs — processing food and medicines, making proteins, storing energy, producing bile and clearing toxins. It also tolerates a lot of damage before causing symptoms. That makes the LFT one of the most valuable tests in routine checkups.

What Each LFT Value Means

SGPT (ALT — Alanine Aminotransferase)

An enzyme found mainly in liver cells. When liver cells are injured, ALT leaks into the blood. It's the most liver-specific of the enzymes.

Common causes of raised SGPT: fatty liver (very common), alcohol, viral hepatitis, medicines (some painkillers, antibiotics, anti-TB drugs, statins), herbal supplements, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes.

SGOT (AST — Aspartate Aminotransferase)

Found in the liver but also in heart and muscle. A raised AST without ALT may come from muscle injury or heavy exercise. An AST much higher than ALT (ratio above 2) can suggest alcohol-related liver disease.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Found in the liver's bile ducts and in bone. High ALP may indicate blocked bile flow (gallstones), some liver conditions, or bone disease. ALP is naturally higher in growing children and in pregnancy.

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

Helps confirm whether a high ALP is from the liver. GGT is also sensitive to alcohol use and some medicines.

Bilirubin — Total, Direct and Indirect

A yellow pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells, processed by the liver.

• High indirect bilirubin: often Gilbert's syndrome (a harmless, common condition that rises with fasting or illness) or increased red cell breakdown
• High direct bilirubin: liver disease or blocked bile ducts
• Bilirubin above about 2–3 mg/dL usually causes visible jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin

• Albumin is made by the liver; low levels may reflect long-standing liver disease, kidney protein loss or poor nutrition
• Globulin includes antibodies; high levels can occur with chronic inflammation
• The A/G ratio is a quick summary

Common LFT Patterns

• Mildly raised ALT and AST, normal bilirubin: often fatty liver, medicines or alcohol — see fatty liver disease
• Very high ALT and AST (many times normal): acute hepatitis — viral, drug-related or other; needs prompt medical review
• High ALP and GGT with high direct bilirubin: bile flow problem, such as gallstones
• Isolated high indirect bilirubin: often Gilbert's syndrome
• AST much higher than ALT: alcohol-related liver injury, or muscle source

Symptoms of Liver Problems

Many people have none. When present:

• Yellow eyes or skin
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Itching
• Swelling of legs or abdomen (in advanced disease)
• Easy bruising

Who Should Get an LFT?

• Anyone with the symptoms above
• People who drink alcohol regularly
• People with obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides or PCOS (high risk for fatty liver)
• Those taking long-term medicines that affect the liver
• People using many supplements, herbal remedies or bodybuilding products
• People with hepatitis B or C — see hepatitis screening
• As part of an annual health checkup

Follow-Up Tests if Your LFT Is Abnormal

• Ultrasound abdomen — to look for fatty liver, gallstones or other changes
• HBsAg and anti-HCV — hepatitis B and C screening
• Repeat LFT after stopping alcohol or suspect medicines
• Lipid profile and HbA1c — metabolic causes
• Coagulation (PT/INR) — in significant liver disease
• Fibrosis assessment — such as FibroScan, as advised

How to Prepare

• Fasting for 8–12 hours is commonly advised, especially when combined with other tests
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours — longer gives a truer picture
• Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours
• Tell the lab about all medicines and supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the normal range of SGPT?

In many laboratories, the upper limit of normal for SGPT (ALT) is around 40 U/L, though ranges vary by lab, age and sex.

What causes high SGPT and SGOT?

Common causes include fatty liver, alcohol, viral hepatitis, certain medicines and supplements, and obesity. Heavy exercise can raise SGOT.

Do I need to fast for a liver function test?

Fasting for 8–12 hours is commonly recommended, especially if other tests like lipids or blood sugar are done at the same time.

Can a liver function test detect fatty liver?

An LFT may show raised enzymes in fatty liver, but it can also be normal. An ultrasound is usually needed to confirm fatty liver.

What is Gilbert's syndrome?

Gilbert's syndrome is a common, harmless condition in which indirect bilirubin is mildly raised, especially during fasting or illness. It does not damage the liver.

Which Aarvak packages include LFT?

The ₹2,000 ADC Mini Swasthya Panel and the ₹3,000 ADC Swasthya Panel include a Liver Function Test.

Book a Liver Function Test in Gurugram

Get your LFT at Aarvak's Sector 67 lab or at home. The ₹2,000 ADC Mini Swasthya Panel includes LFT, KFT, thyroid, sugar and cholesterol. See our biochemistry tests or call +91 92663 33711.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice.