Liver
Why This Liver Test Matters
This liver blood test at home service uses a professional venous blood sample to assess key markers of liver function, including ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and albumin, so you can see how well your liver is filtering toxins, managing cholesterol, and protecting your long‑term health.
What Is Liver Disease And How Is It Detected With At-Home Liver Function Blood Tests??
Liver disease is a broad term covering conditions in which the liver gradually loses its ability to function properly. A liver blood test is essential for early detection of these conditions. Unlike acute liver injury that happens suddenly, chronic liver conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis develop slowly over months or years – often with no symptoms until liver function is significantly compromised.
Your liver is responsible for filtering toxins from your blood, producing proteins and enzymes, storing nutrients, regulating cholesterol, and metabolising medications. When liver function declines, waste products such as bilirubin begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, enzyme levels like ALT and AST become elevated, and the body struggles to maintain the delicate biochemical balance it requires.
Liver disease affects millions of people in the UK, and many don’t know they have it. High cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a family history of liver problems are among the most common risk factors.
Because early-stage liver disease rarely causes noticeable symptoms, blood tests are the only reliable way to catch it before serious complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma develop.
How Liver Function Is Measured
A comprehensive liver blood test measures key markers including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin, and proteins (albumin, total protein, globulin).
These markers reveal how well your liver cells are functioning, whether there’s inflammation or damage, and if bile flow is normal.
UK guidance uses these markers to identify liver dysfunction:
- ALT (Alanine Transaminase): The most liver-specific enzyme. Elevated levels indicate liver cell damage or inflammation. Normal range: 7-56 U/L
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Found in liver and heart tissue. Elevated levels suggest liver or muscle damage. Normal range: 10-40 U/L
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Enzyme related to bile ducts. High levels may indicate bile duct obstruction or bone disorders. Normal range: 30-130 U/L
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Sensitive marker for alcohol-related liver damage and bile duct problems. Normal range: 8-61 U/L
- Bilirubin (Total): Yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown. High levels cause jaundice. Normal range: 3-17 μmol/L
- Albumin: Protein made by the liver. Low levels indicate chronic liver disease or malnutrition. Normal range: 35-50 g/L
Your liver function test results provide valuable information, but only a healthcare professional who knows your complete medical history can diagnose liver disease or determine its severity. This test provides information to support an informed conversation with your GP or specialist about your liver health and next steps.
Standard Liver Health Blood Test
Core focus on liver function. Ideal for routine checks if alcohol/diet/meds are concerns, or spotting inflammation/damage early. (Biomarkers: 6 key liver markers.)
- Best For: Basic monitoring, symptom investigation, or family history without heart risks.
Standard Biomarkers (Liver Function):
- Total Bilirubin: Yellow pigment from red cells; high signals jaundice/blockages.
- Albumin: Liver protein for nutrient transport/tissue repair; low indicates damage.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Enzyme in liver/heart; elevated shows inflammation/injury.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Bile duct enzyme; rises with obstructions.
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT): Liver-specific; key for cell damage/fibrosis.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Alcohol/NAFLD marker; high for bile issues.
Advanced Liver Health Blood Test
Standard + full cholesterol profile. Deeper dive for fatty liver/NAFLD risks, as liver manages “bad” LDL/Non-HDL buildup. (Biomarkers: Standard 6 + 5 cholesterol.)
- Best For: Overweight/diabetic users, high cholesterol family history, or holistic liver-heart protection.
Advanced adds (Cholesterol Profile):
- Total Protein & Globulin: Overall liver/immune health.
- Total Cholesterol: Liver-produced fats; assesses heart-liver balance.
- LDL (Bad): Artery-clogging; links to fatty liver.
- HDL (Good): Protective clearer; low raises risks.
- Non-HDL: Total minus HDL; flags cardiovascular threats.
- Triglycerides: Stored fats; excess from diet ties to NAFLD.
Not sure? 70% start with Standard – upgrade later. Both accredited labs, confidential.
Overcome Doubts – We’re Here to Help
- Basic or Advanced? Standard for liver-only; Advanced if cholesterol/heart concerns (e.g., obesity).
- Accurate? Nurse draws + labs ensure reliability – better than self-tests.
- Symptoms None? Proactive win – prevents silent progression.
- Privacy/Next Steps? Secure, confidential; GP integration for tailored advice.
Protect your liver – and your future – today.
Why Choose Blood Test UK For Your At-Home Liver Blood Test?
| Feature | DIY Kits | GP/NHS | Blood Test UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ❌ Inconsistent samples | ✅ Lab-grade accuracy | ✅ Lab-grade accuracy (venous draw) |
| Convenience | ✅ Post it yourself | ❌ Long wait times | ✅ Nurse visits your home |
| Speed | ⚠️ Postal delays | ❌ Variable | ✅ Results within 2–3 days |
| Comfort | ❌ Self-prick | ⚠️ Clinic setting | ✅ Handled by professionals |
| Trust | ❌ Limited support | ✅ Professional | ✅ GP-shareable PDF report |
Professional Liver Health Screening: Who Should Get Tested?
If you’re worried about your liver function or liver disease risk, a liver blood test at home is particularly useful if you:
- Have high cholesterol or diabetes – both increase your risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Have a family history of liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer
- Are overweight or obese, which significantly increases your risk of fatty liver disease
- Drink alcohol regularly or have a history of heavy drinking (more than 14 units per week)
- Are over 40 years old, as liver function naturally changes with age
- Have cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or metabolic syndrome
- Take medications regularly that can affect liver function (such as statins, paracetamol long-term, certain antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories)
- Have had abnormal liver function results in the past and need a follow-up check
- Are already managing liver disease and want to monitor how well your treatment is working
- Have made lifestyle changes (reduced alcohol, weight loss, dietary improvements) and want to see if they’re helping
- Experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), abdominal swelling, dark urine, pale stools, or unexplained itching
- Have hepatitis B or C, or other viral liver infections
- Have autoimmune conditions that can affect the liver (such as autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis)
Liver damage often develops silently with no obvious symptoms until function is significantly reduced, so a blood test is the only reliable way to assess your liver health and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
Can I Use These Results With My GP?
Yes. Your liver blood test results are formatted as a professional PDF report that you can easily share with your NHS or private GP, hepatologist, or other healthcare provider.
What Your Report Includes:
- ALT, AST, ALP, GGT levels showing liver enzyme activity and potential inflammation or damage
- Bilirubin and albumin levels indicating how well your liver is producing proteins and processing waste
- Clear reference ranges indicating whether your results are normal or suggest liver dysfunction
- Laboratory accreditation details confirming the test meets professional standards
- Easy-to-understand format designed for both you and healthcare professionals
Important To Remember:
- Only a qualified healthcare professional who knows your full medical history can diagnose liver disease or determine its severity
- Your GP may want to repeat the test or order additional tests such as ultrasound, FibroScan, or liver biopsy before making a diagnosis
- Never start, stop, or change liver medications or treatments without medical advice
- If you have symptoms of acute liver failure (severe jaundice, confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood), seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for test results
This test gives you the information you need to have an informed conversation with your doctor about your liver health and next steps.
Nurse Appointments Fill Up Fast — Book Now to Secure Your Preferred Date.
How Often Should I Have A Liver Blood Test?
The frequency depends on your individual circumstances:
- At-risk individuals: If you have high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or drink alcohol regularly, checking your liver function at least once a year can help detect early changes before symptoms appear
- General screening: Adults over 40, those with a family history of liver disease, or people taking long-term medications benefit from annual liver function checks as part of routine health monitoring
- After lifestyle changes: If you’ve made significant changes to your diet, weight, alcohol consumption, or diabetes control, testing every 6–12 months can show if your efforts are protecting your liver
- People with liver disease: Those with diagnosed fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis typically need more frequent monitoring (every 3–12 months depending on severity), as recommended by their GP or hepatologist
- People on hepatotoxic medications: If you take medications that can affect liver function long-term (such as statins, methotrexate, or certain antibiotics), your GP may recommend regular monitoring every 6–12 months
Note: These are general guidelines. Your GP or liver specialist may recommend a different testing schedule based on your personal health profile, liver condition severity, and treatment plan.
Evidence Behind Our Comprehensive Liver Enzyme Testing Service
Our at-home liver blood test service is aligned with UK liver health guidelines and modern laboratory standards, ensuring your results are suitable for long-term liver function monitoring.
- Liver enzymes as disease indicators: National guidance recommends ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT as primary markers for assessing liver function and detecting liver disease, with persistently elevated levels used to diagnose conditions like NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis.
Source: NICE non-alcoholic fatty liver disease guidance, NHS liver disease overview - Bilirubin and albumin for liver synthesis: Serum bilirubin and albumin are key markers used to assess how well your liver is producing essential proteins and processing waste products, with abnormal levels suggesting reduced liver function or chronic liver disease.
Source: NHS liver disease diagnosis, British Liver Trust - Early detection reduces complications: Research shows that detecting liver disease early, particularly in people with high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity, allows lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure.
Source: British Liver Trust, NHS liver disease prevention - Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection from the arm is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for liver function testing, providing sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for accurate ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and albumin analysis.
Source: Royal College of Pathologists guidelines - Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your liver function results are reliable and reproducible.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation
These guidelines and standards shape how we design our liver tests, choose venous blood collection, and partner with UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited laboratories, so your results are produced to the same quality benchmarks used for decision‑making in NHS hospital care.
Nurse Appointments Fill Up Fast — Book Now to Secure Your Preferred Date.
Preparing For Your Liver Blood Test
A liver blood test typically does not require fasting, though some tests may be more accurate if you fast for 8-12 hours. You can prepare for your liver blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
- Fasting recommended but not essential – While you can eat normally before your test, fasting for 8-12 hours may provide more accurate results, especially if you’re testing cholesterol alongside liver function (Advanced test). Check with your nurse when booking.
- Take your usual medicines – Unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different, continue taking your regular medications including any statins, diabetes treatments, or blood pressure tablets.
- Stay well hydrated – Drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable. Dehydration can sometimes temporarily affect liver enzyme levels.
- Avoid heavy alcohol – Try not to drink alcohol for 24-48 hours before your test, as alcohol can temporarily elevate liver enzymes (especially GGT and AST) and may not reflect your true liver health.
- Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand – Intense physical activity in the 24 hours before your test can temporarily raise certain enzymes, so it’s best to avoid heavy workouts immediately before your appointment.
- Limit high-fat meals – While you don’t need to fast completely, extremely high-fat meals shortly before testing can temporarily affect some liver markers. Normal eating is fine.
- Bring any previous results – If you have had liver function tests before, it can help to compare changes over time and show your GP how your levels are trending.
- Wear comfortable clothing – Choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
- Avoid paracetamol/painkillers if possible – High doses of paracetamol or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can temporarily affect liver enzymes. If you need pain relief, continue as prescribed but mention it to the nurse.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Read about Fingerprick VS Venous blood sample 
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Liver Blood Test FAQs
Our liver blood test at home service addresses the most common questions from UK customers about testing, results, and liver health monitoring.
Do I Need To Fast Before A Liver Blood Test?
Fasting is recommended but not essential for liver function tests. While you can eat normally, fasting for 8-12 hours may provide more accurate results, especially if you're testing cholesterol alongside liver function (Advanced test). Drinking water is fine and encouraged.
What ALT Level Is Considered High?
In the UK, ALT levels above 56 U/L are generally considered elevated, though normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. Persistently elevated ALT (above 40-50 U/L) sustained over several months may indicate liver cell damage and warrants further investigation by your GP.
Can I Take This Test If I Already Have Liver Disease?
Yes. If you're already managing fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other liver conditions, regular liver function testing helps you and your healthcare team monitor how well your treatment is working and whether your condition is stable, improving or progressing. Most people with liver disease check their function every 3–12 months depending on severity, though your GP or hepatologist will advise on the right frequency for you.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 2–3 days of your blood sample reaching the laboratory, making our liver blood test at home service both convenient and quick. You'll receive your results by email as a PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP.
What Should I Do If My Liver Function Results Are Abnormal?
If your ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin or albumin levels are outside the normal range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP may want to repeat the test, order additional investigations such as ultrasound or FibroScan, or refer you to a hepatologist. They can also advise on lifestyle changes, alcohol reduction, weight management, or treatment options. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to protect your liver function and prevent complications.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, hepatologists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous blood samples taken from your arm by a nurse are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide more blood volume for analysis, reduce the risk of sample contamination or haemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), and deliver more consistent and reliable results compared to finger-prick capillary samples.
What If I Have High Cholesterol Or Diabetes?
High cholesterol and diabetes are two major risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so regular liver function testing is particularly important if you have either condition. Your liver test results can help your GP assess whether these conditions are affecting your liver and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed. Consider also checking your kidney function, as these often go hand-in-hand with liver and metabolic health monitoring.
Can Alcohol Affect My Liver Test Results?
Yes. Drinking alcohol in the 24-48 hours before your test can temporarily elevate liver enzymes, particularly GGT and AST, which may make your liver function appear worse than it actually is. For the most accurate baseline results, avoid alcohol for 2 days before your test.
What Is The Difference Between ALT And AST?
ALT (Alanine Transaminase) is found primarily in the liver, making it the most liver-specific enzyme. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) is found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. When both are elevated, it suggests liver damage. The ALT/AST ratio can help identify the type of liver condition – a ratio above 2:1 often suggests alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio below 1 may indicate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
