How to Order Liver Function Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your liver plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy—from filtering toxins to managing energy and digestion. But when something isn’t right, the signs aren’t always obvious. That’s where liver function tests come in.

Whether you’re managing a condition like fatty liver, recovering from alcohol use, or simply staying proactive about your health, knowing how to order a liver function test is a simple but powerful first step.

In this guide, you’ll learn when testing makes sense, how to order it online or through a provider, what the results mean, and how to follow up for your long-term liver health.

What is a liver function test (LFT)?

A liver function test (LFT) is a group of blood is a group of blood tests that measure how well your liver is working. These tests look at different enzymes and proteins in your blood that reflect liver health.

Common components of an LFT:

• ALT (alanine transaminase) – High levels may indicate liver cell damage

• AST (aspartate transaminase) – Often elevated in liver or muscle injury

• ALP (alkaline phosphatase) – May rise with bile duct issues or bone disease

• Bilirubin – A waste product; high levels cause yellowing of the skin (bilirubin in urine)

• Albumin and total protein – Low levels may signal poor liver function

• GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) – Often elevated with alcohol-related damage

These markers help detect inflammation, blockages, liver injury, or poor protein production.

When should you get a liver function test?

You might consider ordering a liver function test if you:

• Feel tired or fatigued for no clear reason

• Notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Have itchy skin, dark urine, or pale stool

• Drink alcohol regularly or have a history of heavy drinking

• Have a family history of liver disease

• Take medications that affect liver function (like statins, antibiotics, or pain relievers)

• Are managing conditions like diabetes, fatty liver, or hepatitis

• Want to track liver recovery after lifestyle changes

Many people get tested regularly to monitor progress after improving their diet, quitting alcohol, or treating a chronic condition.

How to order a liver function test online

If you prefer convenience or privacy, you can order a liver function test online—no doctor visit required.

Step-by-step:

1. Choose a trusted testing provider. Look for companies that are CLIA-certified and use reputable labs (like Quest or Labcorp).

2. Select your test. Choose a full liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) if you want broader data.

3. Place your order. You’ll receive an email with instructions and lab forms.

4. Visit a local lab. Take your paperwork and get your blood drawn—usually takes less than 10 minutes.

5. Get your results. Most providers email you results in 1–3 business days.

Always check for medical review or physician approval as part of the process.

Can you do a liver function test at home?

Yes, but not in the traditional sense. At-home liver tests still require a small blood sample, but you collect it yourself—typically via a finger prick—and mail it to a lab.

How it works:

1. Order an at-home liver test kit

2. Follow the instructions to collect your sample

3. Ship it back in the provided envelope

4. Receive results digitally, often within a few days

Benefits:

• No need to leave home

• Easy to use

• Often includes telehealth follow-up

With Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver test, you can get clinical-grade insights into your liver function in under 5 minutes—using just a urine sample and your phone.

How much does a liver function test cost?

Liver function test Pricing depends on how and where you order:

Check with your insurance provider if you're using traditional care. Many online options are FSA/HSA eligible.

How to prepare for the test

Liver function tests usually require no fasting, but your provider may recommend it if you're doing a broader panel.

General tips:

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol 24 hours before testing

• Let the lab or provider know what medications or supplements you’re taking

Some drugs (like acetaminophen, statins, or antibiotics) can affect liver enzymes.

What do your liver function test results mean?

Common results and what they suggest:

Your doctor or test provider will interpret results based on your personal health history.

What happens if your results are abnormal?

Abnormal results aren’t always a cause for alarm—but they should be taken seriously.

You might need:

• Repeat testing to confirm

• Imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan)

• Hepatitis screening

• Medication changes

• Referral to a liver specialist (hepatologist)

Your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol, changing your diet, or managing blood sugar.

Early detection of liver disease can help prevent progression.

How often should you test your liver?

It depends on your health status:

• Once per year for general monitoring

• Every 3–6 months if you have liver disease, fatty liver, or are on medication affecting the liver

• Monthly during active treatment or recovery (like quitting alcohol or treating hepatitis)

Always follow the schedule your healthcare provider recommends.

How can you protect your liver between tests?

Testing is one step—but daily habits make the biggest impact. To support your liver:

• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains

• Limit alcohol

• Avoid excess sugar and processed foods

• Stay physically active

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Use medications carefully

If you’re living with fatty liver, diabetes, or elevated liver enzymes, these changes can often reverse or stabilize your condition.

You may also notice signs your liver is healing between tests.

Why test your liver health with home testing kits?

Home testing kits are fast, private, and reliable. They let you check key liver markers without scheduling an appointment or paying for a lab panel out of pocket.

With Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver test, you can get clinical-grade insights into your liver function in under 5 minutes—using just a urine sample and your phone.

Why early liver testing matters:

• Liver disease is often silent until it’s advanced

• Enzyme levels can rise due to alcohol, medications, or fatty diet

• Many liver issues are reversible when caught early

• Testing motivates healthy changes and tracks progress over time

What’s the takeaway?

Ordering a liver function test is easier than ever—whether you go through your doctor or use a trusted online service. These simple blood tests can reveal a lot about your liver health and help you take proactive steps.

If you’ve been wondering how to check in on your liver, now’s the time. Testing gives you data, peace of mind, and a clear direction for what to do next.

Support your liver health with Ribbon Checkup

Want a fast, affordable way to monitor your liver function from home? Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver test kits are simple, accurate, and come with medical guidance you can trust.

Explore Ribbon Checkup’s liver health testing options 

Related resources

• What is bilirubin in urine?

• Wet brain symptoms

• Fatty liver diet plan

• Signs your liver is healing
  

References

References

0. (2017, May 9). Hepatitis. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis#Hepatitis-A 

Center. (2023). Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Retrieved July 7, 2025, from U.S. Food and Drug Administration website: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/ivd-regulatory-assistance/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-clia 

Clinic, C. (2023, September 5). Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Is It, Causes, Prevention & Treatment. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17679-elevated-liver-enzymes 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). (2023). Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Medlineplus.gov website: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/ 

Lala, V., Zubair, M., & Minter, D. A. (2023, July 30). Liver Function Tests. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Nih.gov website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/ 

Nobili, V., Carter-Kent, C., & Feldstein, A. E. (2011). The role of lifestyle changes in the management of chronic liver disease. BMC Medicine, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-9-70