LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test)
Understanding LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test)
What is LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test)?
This package comprises a liver function test (LFT) and a kidney function test (KFT) with electrolytes that help evaluate liver and kidney functions and detect any disorders associated with these organs. In addition, this package also assesses the pH and water balance in the body.
The liver is the largest organ in our body and performs various vital functions, including the metabolism of nutrients like fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and certain medicines. It also cleanses the blood (a process called detoxification) by converting toxins into waste products. On the other hand, the kidneys play a vital role in removing waste, toxins, and extra water from the body. They maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Additionally, the kidneys control the blood pressure and the body’s pH balance, produce hormones for RBC production, and promote bone health. Together, both the liver and kidneys play essential roles in maintaining overall health.
An LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test) plays a crucial role in screening and diagnosing liver problems, like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, jaundice & hepatitis, and kidney diseases, like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and gout. This test also helps the physician to initiate appropriate treatment timely and avoid further complications. This package can also effectively monitor ongoing treatment for existing liver or kidney issues. Usually, no special preparation is required for this test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.
What is LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test) used for?
An LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test) is done:
- As part of routine health checkups.
- To diagnose any disease affecting the liver or kidneys, especially if you have risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of liver or kidney disease.
- To monitor an existing liver or kidney disease and ongoing treatment response.
- To monitor the effects of certain medications that affect your liver or kidney function.
- To monitor for alcohol abuse.
What does LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test) measure?
Contains 17 testsAn LFT and KFT (Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Test) measures the components contributing to liver and kidney health. LFT is a group of tests that evaluates the levels of enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin produced by the liver. These components help to understand overall liver health and detect possible liver diseases. KFT with electrolytes evaluates the health of your kidneys. This test checks various parameters, such as creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chlorine). It also helps diagnose possible kidney disorders, such as inflammation, infection, or functional damage in the kidneys.
LFT (Liver Function Test)
An LFT (Liver Function Test) helps determine the health of your liver by measuring various components like enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin. These components help detect inflammation, infection, diseases, etc., of the liver and monitor the damage due to liver-related issues.
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Gamma Glutamyl Transferase
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in various organs, with the highest concentration in the liver. Usually, this enzyme is present in low levels in the blood. However, when there is liver damage or disease, GGT is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in GGT levels. In addition to the liver, GGT can also be elevated in conditions affecting the bile ducts or the pancreas. It is usually, the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when there is any damage or obstruction in the bile duct, making it one of the most sensitive liver enzyme tests for detecting bile duct problems.
SGPT
An SGPT test measures the amount of ALT or SGPT enzyme in your blood. ALT is most abundantly found in the liver, but it is also present in smaller amounts in other organs like the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Its primary function is to convert food into energy. It also speeds up chemical reactions in the body. These chemical reactions include the production of bile and substances that help your blood clot, break down food and toxins, and fight off an infection.
Elevated levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage or injury. When the liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, causing an increase in ALT levels. Therefore, the SGPT/ALT test is primarily used to assess the health of the liver and to detect liver-related problems such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or other liver disorders.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the quantity of ALP enzyme present throughout the body. The main sources of this enzyme are the liver and bones. It exists in different forms depending on where it originates, such as liver ALP, bone ALP, and intestinal ALP. In the liver, it is found on the edges of the cells that join together to form bile ducts.
ALP levels can be increased during pregnancy as it is found in the placenta of pregnant women. It is also higher in children because their bones are in the growth phase. ALP is often high during growth spurts (a short period when an individual experiences quick physical growth in height and body weight).
SGOT
An SGOT test measures the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme produced by the liver. SGOT is present in most body cells, most abundantly in the liver and heart. The primary function of this enzyme is to convert food into glycogen (a form of glucose), which is stored in the cells, primarily the liver. The body uses this glycogen to generate energy for various body functions.
Protein Total, Serum
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Serum
- Protein Total
- Serum Albumin
- Globulin, Serum
The Protein Total, Serum test measures the amount of proteins in the body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of all cells and tissues. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of most of your organs and in making enzymes and hormones. There are two types of proteins found in the body, namely albumin and globulin. About 60% of the total protein is made up of albumin, which is produced by the liver. It helps to carry small molecules such as hormones, minerals, and medicines throughout the body. It also serves as a source of amino acids for tissue metabolism. On the other hand, globulin is a group of proteins that are made by the liver and the immune system. They play an important role in liver functioning, blood clotting, and fighting off infections.
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Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect)
- Bilirubin Direct
- Bilirubin Total
- Bilirubin Indirect
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KFT with Electrolytes (Kidney Function Test with Electrolytes)
A KFT with Electrolytes (Kidney Function Test with Electrolytes) test determines the health of your kidneys. It evaluates parameters such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride). This test also helps diagnose possible kidney disorders like inflammation, infection, or functional damage.
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Serum Creatinine
A Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.
Uric Acid
A Uric Acid test determines the level of uric acid in your body. Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Purines are present as nitrogenous bases in the DNA and are also found in food like red meat and seafood.
Most uric acid dissolves in the blood and goes into your kidneys. From there, it passes through your body via the urine. Decreased elimination of uric acid is often a result of impaired kidney function due to kidney disease. In many cases, the exact cause of excess uric acid is unknown. Doctors seldom need to test for low levels of uric acid.
Blood Urea Nitrogen
A Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. Blood urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat food and the protein is metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Both ammonia and urea are nitrogenous compounds. Your liver releases urea into the blood which is then carried out to the kidneys. In the kidneys, urea is filtered from the blood and flushed out of the body via urine. This is a continuous process, so a small amount of urea nitrogen always remains in the blood.
In the case of a kidney or liver disease, there is a change in the amount of urea present in the blood. If your liver produces urea in an increased amount or if there is any problem in kidney functioning, there might be difficulty in filtering out the waste products from the blood, which can result in increased urea levels in the blood.
Serum Electrolytes
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Sodium
A Serum Electrolytes test measures three important electrolytes in the body: sodium, potassium, and chloride. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that move fluid in and out of the cells. They transport the nutrients into the cells and flush out the waste products. They also help maintain water balance and pH levels by keeping the acids and bases in your blood balanced. Hence, the body must maintain an optimal balance of fluids and electrolytes for proper functioning.
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