Description
Advanced Liver Health Blood Test
Your liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy. It helps filter toxins, produce important proteins and enzymes, regulate cholesterol, and support your overall metabolism. When your liver isn’t functioning properly, it may not show obvious symptoms at first — which is why testing can be so important.
Our Advanced Liver Health Blood Test (formerly known as Liver Function Test or LFT) checks how well your liver is working and also includes a cholesterol test to give a broader picture of your health.
Why take this test?
This test measures proteins, enzymes, and other substances produced by the liver to detect any signs of inflammation or damage. It can help identify conditions such as:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
It’s especially recommended if you have risk factors like:
- High alcohol intake
- A poor diet
- Excess weight
- High cholesterol
The link between liver health and cholesterol
Your liver is responsible for managing cholesterol levels in the body. Too much non-HDL (“bad”) cholesterol can build up in the liver, increasing your risk of fatty liver disease. Over time, this may develop into more serious liver conditions.
If you have high cholesterol and want to lower your risk of liver or heart disease, lifestyle changes such as the following can help:
- Reduce saturated fat in your diet
- Exercise regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes per week)
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol intake to under 14 units per week
- Increase fibre intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
Signs of liver disease
Liver problems can often develop without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Swollen ankles or legs
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Easy bruising
Taking a proactive approach with a liver health blood test can help detect issues early and guide the right next steps.
How often should I have a liver blood test?
We recommend checking your liver health when you experience any health changes, any symptoms listed, or six months after commencing a healthier lifestyle, such as giving up alcohol.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Regularly taking medication which may affect your liver
- Regularly drinking excess alcohol
- Poor diet
- Carrying excess weight
- Regularly eating high saturated fat foods
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Drinking excess alcohol regularly
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
This blood test is to check on:
- Liver Health (Previously known as Liver Function Test “LFT’s”)
- Cholesterol
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the end product of the breakdown of red blood cells (haemoglobin) It is produced in bone marrow cells and the liver. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance and is found in bile which is a fluid in your liver which helps breakdown food. It is excreted through urine and faeces.
The blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood.
Albumin
Albumin, also known as ALB, is a protein made by your liver. Albumin is used to carry hormones, vitamins and enzymes around the body and keep fluid in your
bloodstream to avoid leaking into other tissues.
Globulin
Globulins are a serum protein needed for our growth and development and overall health.
They are produced in the liver and immune system. Different proteins make up the globulin family and many bind with haemoglobin in the blood. Some are involved in the transportation of metals such as iron, whilst others are part of the immune system to help fight infections.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline Phosphatase known commonly as ALP is an enzyme mainly found in the liver, kidneys, bones and digestive system.
The test measures the ALP in your blood.
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
Alanine Transaminase, known as ALT, is an enzyme most commonly found in the liver. Damaged liver cells release ALT into the bloodstream.
The test measures the amount of ALT in the blood.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase, commonly known as GGT, is an enzyme found throughout the body, however it is most commonly found in the liver.
The test will measure the amount of GGT in the blood.
Total Protein
Proteins are important building blocks for the health and growth of the body’s cells and tissues.
A total protein test measures the amount of albumin and globulin in your body.
Cholesterol
Your liver makes cholesterol and can be found in many foods you eat such as dairy, meats and fish.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol as it can block up our blood vessels causing them to narrow. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in these narrow vessels leading to a heart attack.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is known as the good cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
Non-HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. The higher the number of the Non-HDL cholesterol may be indicative that you could be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods we eat (such as dairy, meat,oils) or made by our liver.
Any excess calories your body doesn’t need straight away is converted into Triglycerides and stored in your fat cells to be used when needed for energy.
How it Works
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.
