• Published on: Aug 18, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Liver Function Test

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What is a liver function test?

A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of various enzymes and proteins in your blood. These substances are produced by the liver, and they can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

There are a number of different liver function tests (LFTs) that can be used to assess the health of your liver. The most common ones are Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine Transaminase (ALT).

Bilirubin is a pigment that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

ALP is an enzyme that is produced in the liver. High levels of ALP in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.

There are a few different types of liver function tests, but they all basically measure the same thing: how well your liver is functioning. The most common liver function test is called the serum blood panel. This measures the levels of enzymes in your blood that are produced by the liver. These enzymes include:

- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): This enzyme helps with the digestion of fats and is increased when there is damage to the bile ducts.

- ALT (alanine transaminase): This enzyme helps with the breakdown of amino acids and is usually elevated when there is damage to hepatic cells.

- AST (aspartate aminotransferase):

The liver function test is a common medical test that is used to evaluate the health of your liver. The test measures levels of enzymes in your blood that are found mainly in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that help with chemical reactions in your body. When something is wrong with the liver, these enzymes can be released into the blood, where they can be detected by the Liver Function Test. Some of the things that can be checked with this test include hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty liver disease. It can also give clues about other problems such as an toxins or alcoholism. The test is usually done as part of a routine checkup or when someone has symptoms that might be related to liver.

There are a few different liver function tests that your doctor may order, depending on your individual situation. These tests can help to assess how well your liver is functioning and whether or not there is any damage present.

There are a few different liver function tests (LFTs) that your doctor may order, depending on what they suspect might be going on with your liver. The most common LFT is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test. This measures the level of an enzyme called ALT in your blood. ALT is normally found in liver cells, so high levels of it in your blood can indicate liver damage. Other LFTs that may be ordered include the aspartate transaminase (AST) test, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, and the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test.  A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are produced by your liver and help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. There are several different types of liver function tests, but the most common one is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test.

ALT is an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing amino acids. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, it releases Jazz hands advertising internships high levels of ALT into your bloodstream. The ALT test can be used to detect liver damage or disease. The normal range for ALT varies depending on your age and sex, but it is generally between 20 and 40 IU/L

There are a number of different liver function tests that can be performed, each of which can give useful information about the status of the liver. The most common liver function tests are the serum glycated albumin test, the serum alkaline phosphatase test, and the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)test.

The glycated albumin test measures the level of a specific type of sugar (glucose) that is bound to albumin, a protein found in the blood. This test provides an indication of how well the liver is able to process glucose.

The alkaline phosphatase test measures the level of an enzyme that is produced by the liver. This The liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your liver. These substances are normally present in the liver in small amounts. But if your liver is damaged, these substances can leak into your bloodstream and increase the level of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.

There are several different liver function tests, each of which measures different enzymes or proteins. The most common liver function tests are the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test.

Read Blog
Health

20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

 

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

  • physical exercise or movement breaks
     

  • mental wellness practices
     

  • health education sessions
     

  • preventive health screenings
     

  • stress management and recovery
     

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

 

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

  • employees lack time to use them
     

  • wellness is seen as optional
     

  • participation remains low
     

  • benefits are disconnected from daily work
     

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

 

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

  • diabetes
     

  • hypertension
     

  • obesity
     

  • mental health disorders
     

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

 

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

  • chronic stress
     

  • disengagement
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • high attrition
     

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

 

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

  • musculoskeletal problems
     

  • cardiovascular risk
     

  • low energy levels
     

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

 

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

 

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

 

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

 

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

 

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

 

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

 

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

  • guided fitness or yoga sessions
     

  • walking or movement breaks
     

  • mental health workshops
     

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • stress and sleep management programs
     

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

 

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

  • preventive health improves productivity
     

  • employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
     

  • time invested in health yields measurable returns
     

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

 

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

 

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • improved engagement scores
     

  • lower healthcare claims
     

  • better retention
     

 

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear guidelines
     

  • flexible scheduling
     

  • inclusive activity options
     

  • regular feedback
     

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger team cohesion
     

  • sustainable growth
     

These benefits compound year after year.

 

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg

  •  Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic