Liver Function Blood Test (LFT) – What to Expect
By Tharb Faisl
Book a private liver function blood test in London at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, 73 Baker Street. Same-day results to monitor and protect your liver health.
Your liver is one of the body’s hardest-working organs. It processes nutrients, filters toxins, supports digestion, and regulates energy. Because it is involved in so many functions, even small problems can affect your overall health. A liver function blood test (LFT) is the quickest and most effective way to check how well your liver is working.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC), 73 Baker Street, London, we provide private liver function testing with same-day results, so you can take control of your health without delays.
What is a liver function test (LFT)?
An LFT is a group of blood tests that measure specific proteins and enzymes made by the liver. Together, these markers provide a snapshot of liver health.
Key elements of an LFT include:
- ALT (alanine aminotransferase): measures liver cell injury or damage
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase): another enzyme linked to liver cell damage
- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): may rise in liver or bile duct disease
- Bilirubin: checks how the body breaks down red blood cells
- Albumin and total protein: reflect how well the liver makes essential proteins
By combining these markers, doctors can detect inflammation, damage, or reduced function.
Why might you need an LFT?
A liver function test is used to:
- Detect liver conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis
- Monitor side effects of long-term medication
- Assess alcohol-related liver damage
- Check liver health in metabolic or autoimmune conditions
- Investigate symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Form part of a Full Body MOT
What symptoms suggest a liver problem?
Some liver issues show no symptoms in the early stages. However, warning signs may include:
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Persistent nausea
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Easy bruising
Because symptoms are not always obvious, many people book an LFT as a preventive measure.
How the test is performed
The process is simple and takes less than 10 minutes:
- Book your appointment online or by phone.
- A small blood sample is taken at our Baker Street clinic.
- The sample is analysed in our laboratory.
- Results are usually ready the next working day.
- Our clinicians review your results and recommend next steps.
Who should have regular liver tests?
- Anyone with a history of alcohol use or fatty liver risk
- Patients on long-term medication such as statins or chemotherapy
- People with diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol
- Those with a family history of liver disease
- Anyone experiencing suspicious symptoms
For many patients, an annual liver check is recommended, especially when combined with kidney and cholesterol testing.
Beyond LFT: other useful blood tests
At MDC, we often recommend combining LFT with other markers for a broader health picture:
- Kidney Function Tests – to check waste removal and electrolytes
- Cholesterol (Lipid Profile) – for cardiovascular risk
- Blood Glucose (HbA1c) – to assess diabetes risk
- Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) – detect hidden inflammation
These can be included in our Full Body MOT for a complete health screen.
FAQs about liver function testing
Why choose MDC for liver testing?
- Same-day appointments & next working day for results
- Central London clinic – 73 Baker Street
- No GP referral required
- Comprehensive blood panels
- Professional, discreet service
The liver function test (LFT) is a simple yet powerful way to assess your liver’s health. It helps detect problems early, monitor ongoing conditions, and provide peace of mind.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, 73 Baker Street, London, we provide fast, accurate LFT testing with same-day results. Whether you are concerned about symptoms, medication side effects, or simply want reassurance, our team is here to help.
Book your liver function test today at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre.
73 Baker Street, London
+44 7495 970109
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