US Medical Term · tests
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Pruebas de función hepática
Also: Perfil hepático (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Liver Function Tests (LFTs) |
| Spanish (Español) | Pruebas de función hepática |
| Chinese (中文) | 肝功能檢查 |
| Korean (한국어) | 간기능 검사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xét nghiệm chức năng gan |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Liver Function Tests |
| Portuguese (Português) | Testes de função hepática |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจการทำงานของตับ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 肝機能検査 |
What it means
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that measure proteins and enzymes made by the liver or released when liver cells are damaged. Common markers include ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, and albumin. Elevated levels can indicate hepatitis, fatty liver disease, bile duct blockage, or medication side effects. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm; fasting is sometimes requested but not always required. Results help doctors determine whether the liver is inflamed, injured, or failing to produce essential proteins. LFTs are often ordered as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or during routine monitoring of patients on long-term medications.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor ordered liver function tests — what do those enzymes actually measure?
Mi médico ordenó pruebas de función hepática — ¿qué miden esas enzimas?
My liver enzymes are a little high — does that definitely mean liver damage?
Mis enzimas hepáticas están un poco altas — ¿eso significa definitivamente daño al hígado?
Do I need to stop drinking alcohol before my liver function blood draw?
¿Debo dejar el alcohol antes de la extracción de sangre para las pruebas hepáticas?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026