Liver Function Test Interpretation

Liver Function Test (LFT) Interpretation made easy, reviewing the tests included within an LFT as well as the main patterns of Cholestatic vs Hepatocellular injury seen, as well as potential causes. Also includes further details on bilirubin, albumin and clotting profiles, as well as some LFT interpretation pearls and further investigations. 

PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/assessment-or-interpretation

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Timestamps:
0:00 What are Liver Function Tests? 
1:43 LFT Cholestatic Pattern
3:07 LFT Hepatocellular Pattern 
5:18 LFT Bilirubin
7:46 LFT Albumin & Clotting Profile
8:25 LFT Interpretation Pearls
9:54 LFT Interpretation Further Investigations

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Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. 

References

1. Geeky Medics (2025) Interpretation of liver function tests (LFTs). Geeky Medics. Available at: https://geekymedics.com/interpretation-of-liver-function-tests-lfts/
2. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (2024) Assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests. Specialist Pharmacy Service. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/ (SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service)
3. Parsons, G. (2023) ‘Understanding liver function tests: part 1’, Prescriber, 34(7), pp. 19–23. doi: 10.1002/psb.2079. Available at: https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/psb.2079 (wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
4. Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (2022) Liver Function Tests in Adults: A Guide for GPs (PATH 025). Available at: https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/pathology/documents/clinical_guidelines/PATH_025_Liver_Function_Tests_in_Adults_A_Guide_for_GPs.pdf (ruh.nhs.uk)