Description
Liver Health Blood Test
Your liver is essential to your overall health — responsible for vital tasks such as filtering toxins from your blood, fighting infections, balancing cholesterol, storing nutrients, and producing key proteins and enzymes.
A Liver Health Blood Test (previously known as a Liver Function Test or LFT) helps assess how well your liver is working and whether there are signs of inflammation, damage, or strain. It measures specific enzymes, proteins, and substances made by the liver to identify abnormal levels that could signal liver problems.
Liver issues often develop without obvious symptoms. In fact, damage can build over time without you knowing. That’s why routine testing is important — especially if certain lifestyle factors or medications put your liver at risk.
You may want to take this test if you:
- Drink alcohol regularly (especially more than 14 units per week)
- Don’t give your liver time to recover with at least 2–3 alcohol-free days per week
- Are overweight or have a high-fat diet
- Take medications known to affect liver function — including NSAIDs, statins, antibiotics, or anti-seizure drugs
- Have a family history of liver disease
In some cases, liver damage may eventually cause symptoms such as:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Persistent fatigue
- Nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
- Itchy skin, dark urine, pale stools, or easy bruising
By measuring key markers this blood test provides a clear snapshot of your liver’s current condition. Early detection means you can make informed lifestyle changes or seek treatment before more serious problems develop.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to stay proactive, a Liver Health Blood Test offers peace of mind and practical insight into one of your body’s most important organs.
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
This blood test is to check on:
- Liver Health (Previously known as Liver Function Test “LFT’s”)
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.
Total 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.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Aspartate Aminotransferase known as AST— is a liver enzyme and is used to assess liver health, but it’s also found in other tissues like the heart and muscles. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage, but may also rise due to heart or muscle injury — so it’s often interpreted alongside ALT for a clearer picture of liver function.
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.
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.
