A bad Liver Function Test (LFT) result generally means that certain values are outside the normal range, indicating potential liver issues.
Understanding Abnormal LFT Results
Doctors consider an LFT result to be significantly abnormal if the values are more than two or three times the upper limit of the normal range. This level of elevation suggests that there might be some damage, inflammation, or dysfunction occurring in the liver.
What Doctors Look For in LFT Results
It's crucial to understand that simply having a value outside the standard range isn't the only factor doctors consider. They also pay close attention to:
- Magnitude of Change: How far the results deviate from the normal range.
- A result slightly above normal may not be as concerning as one that is multiple times higher.
- Rate of Change: How quickly the results have changed over time.
- A rapidly increasing LFT value can be more worrisome, even if it's not extremely high, as it might indicate a sudden problem.
Examples of Concerning LFT Results
To illustrate, if the normal upper limit for a specific liver enzyme is 40 U/L, a result of:
- 60 U/L: Might be slightly elevated but may not be a cause for immediate alarm.
- 100 U/L: Is more concerning, as it's more than twice the upper limit. This usually triggers further investigation by your physician.
- 150 U/L+: Would be regarded as a significantly abnormal result and warrants thorough medical evaluation.
Important Considerations
- Individual Variation: The normal ranges can slightly vary between laboratories. It's important to rely on the specific lab's reference ranges.
- Clinical Context: Doctors always consider your overall health, symptoms, medical history, and other test results along with your LFTs to assess the situation correctly.
- Follow-Up Testing: If initial LFTs are abnormal, a doctor may order repeat tests to monitor changes over time and additional tests to help find the cause of the abnormality.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abnormal Result | Typically more than two or three times the upper limit of normal values. |
| Rate of Change | Rapid increase in liver enzyme levels is a cause of concern even if not significantly high in the first reading. |
| Physician Focus | Magnitude of change and rate of change over time. |
| Follow-up | May require repeat tests and additional investigation. |
A bad LFT result is not just about being outside the normal range; it's about the degree of deviation from the norm and the rate of change over time. It's essential to consult your doctor if your LFT results are abnormal.
