Best Blood Test for Liver Health (UK)

Fatty liver disease is now the most common liver condition in the UK, affecting roughly one in three adults. It often has no symptoms until significant damage has built up. A liver blood test surfaces early changes that lifestyle adjustment can usually reverse. This guide explains what to test and which Chxhealth panels apply.

Markers that matter for liver health

ALT (alanine aminotransferase): The most liver-specific enzyme. Rises when liver cells are damaged. Most common UK cause is fatty liver.

AST (aspartate aminotransferase): Tested with ALT. The AST to ALT ratio helps distinguish causes (above 2 suggests alcohol-related liver disease).

GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase): Highly sensitive to alcohol intake and bile duct issues.

ALP (alkaline phosphatase): Raised in bile duct conditions (and bone disorders).

Bilirubin: Raised in jaundice or specific liver conditions.

Albumin: Made by the liver, reflects medium-term liver function.

Read more about each in the biomarker glossary.

Who should test

Anyone who drinks alcohol regularly, is overweight, has type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, takes long-term medications that affect the liver (statins, methotrexate, some antibiotics), or has a family history of liver disease.

People starting weight loss programmes often see liver enzymes improve as visceral fat reduces, so a baseline is useful.

Testing tips

Avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before testing.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Muscle damage from training can transiently raise AST.

Avoid heavy meals on the day of testing.

Best Chxhealth panels for this

The Chxhealth panels below are designed for the markers discussed above. Each comes with a plain English PDF report, lab analysis by Randox (UKAS, ISO 15189), and the phlebotomy fee included in the price.

Related biomarker guides

Read more about the specific markers discussed in this guide:

• ALT
• AST
• GGT
• Albumin

FAQs

What is fatty liver disease?

Excess fat builds up in liver cells, usually linked to weight, sugar intake or alcohol. Now called metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Early stages are usually symptomless but cause raised ALT and other liver enzymes. Often reversible with weight loss and lifestyle change.

Can liver enzymes be raised from exercise?

Yes. Strenuous exercise transiently raises AST and to a lesser extent ALT. Avoid intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours before testing to get a clean baseline.

What does a high GGT mean?

GGT is most sensitive to alcohol intake. It also rises in bile duct conditions, fatty liver, obesity and with some medications. Read more in our GGT glossary entry.

Can a blood test diagnose cirrhosis?

No. Chxhealth is a biomarker and genetic data provider. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe. Our service supports your wellbeing journey alongside your healthcare professional. Cirrhosis diagnosis requires imaging and specialist clinical assessment. Blood tests surface early markers that prompt further investigation.

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About this guide. Educational content for general awareness. Chxhealth is a biomarker and genetic data provider. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe. Our service supports your wellbeing journey alongside your healthcare professional. For medical advice about your health or results, please speak to a qualified clinician.