Liver Function Test(LFT), in Kolkata

Fasting and dietary instructions:

Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Water is allowed and encouraged , drink 2 to 3 glasses before leaving home. Avoid tea, coffee, juice, food, alcohol, and supplements during the fasting window.

Medication guidance:

Continue all regularly prescribed medication unless your doctor has specifically instructed otherwise. Inform lab staff about all prescription drugs, supplements, herbal preparations, and protein powders you are taking.

What to bring:

Bring your doctor's prescription or test requisition, a valid photo ID, and your corporate health insurance card if using cashless OPD. Wear short sleeves or clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.

Timing:

Book the earliest available morning slot. For fasting tests, an overnight fast followed by a morning draw represents the optimal balance between adequate fasting duration and test accuracy.

ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP, GGT, total and direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein, prothrombin time/INR

When does a doctor order Liver Function Test(LFT)?

Doctors order Liver Function Test(LFT) when a patient reports jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent fatigue, nausea, or upper right abdominal pain. It is also routinely ordered before starting hepatotoxic medications (statins, anti-TB drugs, anticonvulsants) and periodically during their use.

Who should get Liver Function Test(LFT) done in Kolkata?

West Bengal is reported to have one of India's highest hepatitis B carrier rates, estimated at around 4 to 5% of the population. Combined with a diet heavy in mustard oil, sweets, and fried foods, liver disease risk is significant for working adults across Ballygunge, Alipore, and Lake Gardens. The Liver Function Test panel is a common blood profile used when doctors suspect liver disease, during routine health checks, or before starting medicines that can affect the liver. Symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, or unexplained fatigue often prompt testing. NAFLD affects an estimated 25 to 35% of India's urban adults , the majority unaware. Regular liver testing in Kolkata's residential areas including Dum Dum and Shyambazar enables lifestyle intervention before irreversible scarring occurs. Patients recovering from hepatitis, those in alcohol recovery, and anyone with persistently unexplained fatigue also benefit from regular liver monitoring.

What conditions can Liver Function Test(LFT) help diagnose?

Very high ALT and AST (10–50× normal) with normal ALP suggests acute hepatocellular injury , viral hepatitis, drug toxicity, or ischaemia. Predominantly elevated ALP and GGT with modest transaminases suggests bile duct obstruction or primary biliary cholangitis. An AST:ALT ratio above 2 suggests alcoholic hepatitis. Persistently low albumin with elevated bilirubin indicates advanced cirrhosis.

What do Liver Function Test(LFT) results mean?

ALT above 56 U/L or AST above 40 U/L signals hepatocyte stress. The pattern matters: ALT greater than AST typically suggests NAFLD or viral hepatitis. An AST:ALT ratio above 2 points to alcoholic hepatitis. High ALP with normal transaminases suggests bile duct disease rather than liver cell damage. Low albumin alongside high bilirubin indicates serious loss of liver function.

How often should Liver Function Test(LFT) be repeated?

Adults with no liver risk factors and a previously normal result: annually. Patients with NAFLD or treated hepatitis: every 6 months. Patients on hepatotoxic medication: baseline before starting, then at 1 month, 3 months, and every 6 months during treatment. Patients with active liver disease: at intervals specified by their gastroenterologist.

What happens after Liver Function Test(LFT) results are ready?

Book a follow-up consultation after reviewing your results. GetVisit stores your reports alongside your previous test history, so your doctor sees your full health trend , not just today's snapshot. This longitudinal context significantly improves the clinical value of each repeat test.