Order a liver values test and check your liver function

Your liver handles many tasks at once. Elevated or reduced liver values can be among the first signals that something is out of balance, often before you notice any symptoms.

This liver values test measures a liver function panel including ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin and albumin, so you get a more nuanced view of your liver function than a single value.

This test may suit men who:

• drink alcohol regularly and want to track their liver values
• use medication or supplements that can strain the liver
• want to record a baseline of their liver function
• experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue or digestive discomfort

The liver function test (LFT) bundles several liver enzymes and proteins into one marker:

• ALT: an enzyme found mainly in liver cells; elevated levels may indicate strain on liver cells.
• AST: an enzyme present in the liver and other tissues; can be elevated with liver or muscle strain.
• ALP (alkaline phosphatase): an enzyme associated with the bile ducts.
• GGT: an enzyme that can be elevated with liver strain, including from alcohol.
• Bilirubin: a breakdown product of red blood cells; elevated levels can relate to the liver or bile ducts.
• Albumin: a protein the liver produces; low levels may indicate reduced production.

Each value highlights a different part of your liver activity. ALT and AST together may show whether your liver cells are under pressure, while an elevated GGT alongside other values could point to alcohol-related strain.

ALP and bilirubin can say something about bile flow, and albumin reflects how well your liver produces proteins. Looking at the values together gives a more nuanced picture than any single liver value.

For this test, blood is drawn at a certified sample point. There are 700+ locations across the Netherlands, which you choose yourself after ordering.

You arrange it without seeing your GP first: you pick a location and a time. The draw usually takes only a few minutes.

This test may be useful if you drink alcohol regularly, use medication or supplements processed by the liver, have liver conditions in your family, or simply want a baseline. Many men choose to have their liver values tested after a period with more alcohol or new medication.

It can also be relevant with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, unexplained nausea or a yellow tint to the skin.

Your liver values test result shows whether each value falls within the reference range. Elevated enzymes may point to liver strain, but the degree and pattern of elevation can vary widely in meaning.

A mildly elevated ALT can mean something different from a strongly elevated GGT. A doctor can interpret your values in the context of your lifestyle and health history.

Fasting is usually advised for this test. It is also common to avoid alcohol in the 48 hours before your appointment, as that can temporarily affect your liver values.

Your results are available online within a few working days. You log in to your account and view each value with its reference range and a clear explanation. If you want to view your liver alongside wider markers, look at the metabolic health check.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.