Liver function test price: What to expect and how to save on screening

When it comes to protecting your health, few organs work harder—or more quietly—than your liver. From breaking down toxins to regulating hormones and storing energy, your liver is central to dozens of essential functions.

But here’s the challenge: liver issues often show no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.

That’s where liver function tests come in.

These simple blood tests can reveal signs of inflammation, infection, or early damage. If you’re wondering about liver function test prices, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of LFTs in the U.S., explain what’s included in a liver panel, and show you how to access affordable and accurate testing—from labs or the comfort of your home.

What is a liver function test?

A liver function test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that measure how well your liver is performing. It checks specific enzymes, proteins, and waste products that reflect the liver’s health.

LFTs are commonly used to:

• Detect early liver damage

• Diagnose liver disease

• Monitor chronic liver conditions, like fatty liver or hepatitis

• Assess liver function before surgery or medication use

You might be recommended a liver panel even if you feel healthy—especially if you live with risk factors like obesity, alcohol use, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease.

What does a liver function test include?

Most standard LFT panels include these biomarkers:

Alanine transaminase (ALT)

ALT is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. High ALT levels often signal liver cell damage or inflammation. This is one of the first markers to rise when the liver is under stress.

Aspartate transaminase (AST)

AST is also found in the liver, as well as the heart and muscles. Elevated AST is a sign of tissue damage and is most useful when compared to ALT to assess liver health.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

ALP is an enzyme related to bile ducts. Elevated levels may suggest bile duct obstruction, liver inflammation, or even bone disease.

Bilirubin

This yellow pigment is a waste product from red blood cells. If the liver cannot process bilirubin effectively, it may accumulate and cause jaundice—a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. Low levels can indicate chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

GGT is often elevated in alcohol-related liver damage. It’s also used to detect bile duct problems.

Prothrombin time (PT)

This measures how long your blood takes to clot. Since clotting factors are produced in the liver, prolonged PT can signal liver dysfunction.

Who should get a liver function test?

Your doctor may recommend an LFT if you:

• Experience fatigue, nausea, or unexplained abdominal pain

• Notice yellowing of your skin or eyes

• Have dark urine or pale stool

• Drink alcohol regularly or heavily

• Take medications that affect liver function

• Live with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome

• Have a family history of liver disease

• Are managing hepatitis B or C

Even without symptoms, annual liver screening may be appropriate if you’re in a higher-risk group.

How much does a liver function test cost in the U.S.?

The price of liver function tests varies depending on where you get tested and whether you have insurance.

Without insurance:

With insurance:

• Out-of-pocket cost: $0 – $50 depending on your plan, deductible, and reason for testing

• LFTs are usually covered if ordered for a medically necessary reason
  
  

Your actual cost may also vary based on:

• Geographic location

• Whether a doctor consult is included

• How many biomarkers are tested

• Speed of results (standard vs. express)

• Add-ons like telehealth or physician interpretation

What do at-home liver function tests include?

At-home test kits allow you to monitor your liver health from the comfort of your home. Most kits require a small finger-prick blood sample and come with prepaid return packaging.

What they typically measure:

• ALT

• AST

• ALP

• Bilirubin

• Sometimes GGT or albumin

Benefits of at-home tests:

• No appointments or waiting rooms

• Private and discreet

• Quick turnaround (2–5 business days)

• Often more affordable than clinic-based testing

Make sure the test you choose is processed by a CLIA-certified lab for accuracy.

How to read your liver test results

Understanding your results requires context, but here’s a general guide:

If your levels are outside the normal range, follow up with your doctor to determine next steps.

Can elevated liver enzymes return to normal?

Yes—if the issue is identified early, mild liver enzyme elevation can often be reversed.

Steps that may help lower liver enzymes:

• Stop or limit alcohol use

• Reduce processed foods, sugar, and fried fats

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Stay active (150+ minutes/week of moderate activity)

• Manage blood sugar and cholesterol

• Address any viral or metabolic conditions

Follow-up LFTs can help track whether your lifestyle or medical treatment is working.

With the right nutrients and lifestyle changes, certain vitamins can support liver repair and help restore healthy enzyme levels.

How often should you test your liver function?

Routine monitoring helps catch problems early and track progress over time.

What other tests may be ordered with LFTs?

Liver panels are often included in larger health screening bundles. Depending on your symptoms, a doctor may also order:

• Hepatitis panel (to test for HBV or HCV)

• Ultrasound or FibroScan (for fatty liver or fibrosis)

• CBC (complete blood count)

• Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)

• HbA1c or fasting glucose

• Kidney function panel

Comprehensive testing helps create a more complete picture of your health.

How to save money on liver function testing

Even without insurance, LFTs don’t have to be expensive. Try these tips to reduce your cost:

• Use HSA or FSA funds (at-home kits are usually eligible)

• Look for bundled health panels or wellness checkups

• Choose at-home kits for convenience and lower price

• Compare local labs or online marketplaces for price transparency

• Check if your workplace or community clinic offers free screening days

• Ask your doctor to order only necessary components (ALT, AST, bilirubin, etc.)

You can save money by bundling LFTs with other essential markers in comprehensive home health panels.

What happens if your liver test is abnormal?

Abnormal LFTs are common and don’t always indicate serious liver disease. However, it’s important to follow up.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Additional testing to confirm results

• Imaging (like ultrasound) to evaluate liver size or fat buildup

• Lifestyle modifications and retesting in 3–6 months

• A referral to a hepatologist (liver specialist)

In some cases, elevated liver enzymes may be due to non-liver causes—like medication side effects, muscle injury, or even intense exercise.

If your results are off, it's important to monitor how your liver responds to treatment—especially during healing.

Final takeaway

Liver function tests are one of the most powerful tools for catching silent liver damage before it becomes serious. Whether you’re managing a known liver condition or just want to stay proactive, LFTs offer vital insights into your internal health.

With costs ranging from $40 to $300, liver testing is accessible—with or without insurance. At-home kits provide convenience and privacy, while lab testing offers a more comprehensive view. Choose what works best for your lifestyle and risk profile.

Knowing your numbers empowers you to make informed choices, adjust your habits, and protect your liver for the long haul.

Check Your Liver Health from Home

Curious how your liver is doing? Explore Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver tests for simple, lab-quality insights you can trust.

Related resources

• What vitamins help liver repair? Knowing the essentials for liver health
  Support liver recovery with evidence-based nutrients like B-complex, vitamin D, and antioxidants.

• Early detection of liver disease: Signs, tests, and next steps
  Learn how to spot early warning signs and what tests to request from your provider.

• At-home liver tests: A comprehensive guide
  Compare test kits, understand what they measure, and learn how to use them for better health tracking.

References

References

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Common Liver Tests. (2024, September 12). Retrieved June 23, 2025, from Hopkinsmedicine.org website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/common-liver-tests 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). (2023). Retrieved June 23, 2025, from Medlineplus.gov website: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/ 

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Yetman, D. (2018, July 30). Liver Function Tests: Purpose and Procedure. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-function-tests