Quick Reference
- Full form
- Liver Function Test
- Sample type
- Blood (venous)
- Fasting
- 8-12 hours recommended (not required if urgent)
- Liver markers tested
- 9
- Report turnaround
- Same Day
- Available at
- All locations
About Liver Function Test (LFT)
The liver is a patient organ. It absorbs damage quietly for years, and by the time someone notices yellowing eyes or persistent fatigue, a fair amount of that damage is already done.
Pakistan carries one of the heavier hepatitis burdens in the world, and Punjab is a substantial part of that. Liver testing is less of an optional extra here than it might be elsewhere.
What Is an LFT and Why Do Doctors Order It?
A Liver Function Test is a group of blood measurements that together show how your liver is working and whether its cells are being damaged.
It is ordered when a doctor wants to answer one of three questions: is the liver inflamed, is it still doing its job, and is anything blocking the flow of bile.
Typical reasons you might be sent for one include yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent fatigue or nausea without an obvious cause, suspected or known hepatitis B or C, long-term medication that needs liver monitoring, fatty liver, pain in the upper right abdomen, regular alcohol use, or routine annual screening.
Abnormal LFT results are common and are not automatically alarming. Mild elevations often settle. What matters is the pattern and the trend.
How to Prepare
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours and book a morning slot. An LFT can be run on a non-fasting sample if your doctor needs it urgently, but fasting gives the cleanest result.
- If an LFT is ordered with a lipid profile or fasting sugar, follow the 9 to 12 hour fast for those tests and book an early morning slot.
- Plain water is fine and helps the draw.
- List every medicine and supplement you take. Paracetamol, tuberculosis medication, statins and herbal remedies can all move these numbers.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
- Avoid unusually heavy exercise the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LFT cost at City Care Lab?
LFT at City Care Lab is priced at Rs. 1350, which covers ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin and albumin in one panel. You get the full breakdown on one report, not separate bills for each marker.
Do I need to fast before a Liver Function Test?
A short fast of 8 to 12 hours is preferred so your ALT and bilirubin readings are not skewed by a heavy meal. If your doctor needs the result urgently, we can still draw the sample without fasting.
When will I get my LFT report?
Same day, in most cases within a few hours of collection. You will get a WhatsApp message with a link to your digital report, so there is no need to visit our lab in person to collect it.
Can City Care Lab collect my LFT sample at home?
Yes. Book a home visit and our certified phlebotomist will draw the sample at your doorstep, whether you are near Sheikhupura Road or anywhere else in our service areas.
What does a high ALT or AST on my LFT mean?
Raised ALT and AST usually point to liver cell stress, which can come from fatty liver, viral hepatitis, or certain medicines. One high reading is not a diagnosis on its own, so your doctor will look at the full pattern alongside your symptoms.
Is LFT the same as a hepatitis test?
No. LFT measures how your liver is functioning right now through enzymes and proteins, while hepatitis tests look for the virus or antibodies that cause liver infection. Many doctors order both together when investigating liver concerns.
This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak with your doctor about your specific results and treatment.