Seven liver markers from a single fasted blood draw — enzymes, bilirubin, and protein synthesis indicators. Given Lagos's high hepatitis B burden and widespread fatty liver disease, routine LFT is one of the most important annual health checks for Lagos adults.
The LFT panel assesses liver damage (enzymes), bile processing (bilirubin), and synthetic function (albumin). Together they tell whether the liver is inflamed, obstructed, or failing.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is the most liver-specific enzyme — elevated ALT is the hallmark of hepatocellular damage from HBV, fatty liver, and drug injury. AST rises in both liver and muscle damage. ALP and GGT elevation suggests bile duct obstruction or alcohol-related liver disease — common in Lagos adults.
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Elevated bilirubin causes jaundice — yellowing of skin and sclera (eyes). Direct (conjugated) bilirubin rises in bile duct obstruction and hepatitis; indirect rises in haemolytic conditions. Total bilirubin <21 µmol/L is normal.
Albumin is produced exclusively by the liver — low albumin (hypoalbuminaemia) indicates impaired liver synthetic function, seen in cirrhosis, malnutrition, or nephrotic syndrome. It is the most sensitive indicator of chronic liver failure. Total protein includes albumin plus globulins — elevated globulins may suggest chronic infection or inflammation.
Fast for 8 hours before your LFT. Fatty meals raise triglycerides and ALP non-specifically, obscuring hepatobiliary pathology. Lagos patients scheduling early morning tests from Lekki or Lagos Island should avoid breakfast en route. Water is permitted throughout the fast.
Alcohol is directly hepatotoxic and transiently raises GGT, ALT, and AST. Avoid all alcohol for at least 24 hours before your test — ideally 48 hours for regular drinkers. This ensures your LFT result reflects true liver status, not acute alcohol effect.
Bring a complete medication and supplement list — statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), anti-TB drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid), antiretrovirals, paracetamol (at high doses), and Lagos herbal preparations all affect liver enzymes. Do not stop medications without medical guidance — we need to see results on your current regimen.
Many Lagos laboratories omit GGT from their LFT. We include ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and albumin — the complete panel for meaningful liver assessment.
Your report identifies the pattern of enzyme abnormality — hepatocellular (ALT/AST dominant) vs. cholestatic (ALP/GGT dominant) — guiding next steps for Lagos clinicians without delay.
Chronic HBV patients in Lagos need serial LFT to track liver inflammation trends. We retain records across visits — enabling meaningful comparison between quarterly results.
52 Sholanke Street, Akoka — convenient for Yaba, Shomolu, Lagos Island, and Lekki. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM. WhatsApp booking recommended for fasted morning slots.
"My HBV doctor in Lagos kept prescribing tenofovir without monitoring my LFT. Mascot ran the full panel and found my ALT was 6× upper normal — my dose needed adjusting. Grateful for their thoroughness."
Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays