Concierge hepatology · London
Private liver function tests in London, plainly explained, expertly interpreted.
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin and albumin — the core LFT panel, plainly explained, with an onward FibroScan or hepatology consult if we find anything.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We explain, not just report
A consultant hepatologist walks you through what the pattern of numbers actually means for your liver.
- 02
No bundle upselling
We recommend the markers that answer your question — and skip the ones that don’t.
- 03
Accredited labs only
UKAS-accredited laboratories, reviewed every six months on turnaround and quality.
Indicative pricing
What private liver function tests cost in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics and laboratories. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard LFT panel in our network: £45-£90, with results in 24 hours.
| Test or panel | Indicative range | Appointment time | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard LFT panel | £45–£90 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| LFTs + fasting lipids | £75–£150 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| Full liver work-up (LFT + hepatitis + fibrosis markers) | £250–£500 | 5 min | 3-5 days |
| Liver panel + hepatologist review | £400–£800 | 60 min | 3-5 days |
| Elastography (FibroScan) | £300–£600 | 20 min | Same-day |
| NAFLD-focused panel | £180–£360 | 5 min | 3-5 days |
Prices vary by laboratory, how many markers are included, whether a hepatologist review or FibroScan is added, and whether a phlebotomist comes to you. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
An abnormal LFT is not a diagnosis.
Plenty of places will take your blood and email you a PDF with a red flag on it. Understanding the pattern — hepatocellular versus cholestatic, transient versus persistent — is the part that matters. That is what we do.
-
Not sure which markers?
Tell us your symptoms and medications, and we suggest the panel that answers them — not the biggest bundle.
-
A worrying result?
We explain how significant it is, whether it needs repeating, and whether imaging or FibroScan is the sensible next step.
-
Fatty liver on ultrasound?
We combine LFTs with fibrosis scoring and, where useful, FibroScan to risk-stratify properly.
The journey
From enquiry to results — what happens, in order.
One consultant hepatologist from first message to explained results — usually within a few days.
Phase 1 · Before your test
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~5 minutes for the draw
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, alcohol and medications, any prior results.
- 02
Before
We recommend the right panel
Within one working day: which markers actually answer your question, and what they cost.
- 03
Before
We book the appointment
Clinic, home or office, often same or next day. We tell you about fasting and timing.
- 04
On the day
The blood draw
A few minutes with an experienced phlebotomist. A brief scratch, and it’s done.
- 05
On the day
Off to the lab
Your sample goes to a UKAS-accredited laboratory the same day.
- 06
After
Results reviewed
Results are checked by a consultant hepatologist, usually within 24-72 hours.
- 07
After
We explain them
We talk you through what the numbers mean and arrange any next step — imaging, FibroScan or repeat testing.
Typical end-to-end: 1-5 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the panel that matches the question.
LFTs answer very different questions depending on why you are having them. These are the reasons people come to us most.
-
Asymptomatic screening
A baseline liver check as part of a general health review, or before starting a long-term medication.
-
Alcohol-related liver disease
GGT, AST/ALT ratio and full LFT panel to assess damage and monitor recovery after cutting back.
-
Drug-induced hepatitis
Monitoring for hepatotoxicity from prescription drugs, herbal remedies or over-the-counter medication.
-
Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
Very common and often silent. We combine LFTs with fibrosis markers and, where useful, FibroScan.
-
Viral hepatitis screening
Hepatitis A, B and C serology with clear guidance on what a positive result actually means.
-
Pre-op work-up
A baseline liver panel before surgery, anaesthesia or a new long-term prescription.
-
Right upper quadrant pain
Persistent right-sided abdominal pain, nausea or indigestion — LFTs alongside an ultrasound if indicated.
-
Red flag: jaundice
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools — same-day GP or A&E, not a private clinic slot.
Popular panels
The liver panels we arrange most.
What each option is actually for.
-
Standard LFT panel
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, total protein and albumin — the core seven markers.
-
LFTs + lipids fasting
Adds cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides for a combined liver and cardiovascular baseline.
-
Full liver work-up
LFTs plus hepatitis A/B/C, iron studies, autoimmune screen and non-invasive fibrosis markers.
-
LFTs + hepatology consult
A full panel with a 60-minute consultant hepatologist review and management plan.
-
FibroScan (transient elastography)
Non-invasive ultrasound-based measure of liver stiffness — the modern alternative to biopsy for fibrosis assessment.
-
Hepatitis serology
Hepatitis A, B and C surface antigens and antibodies, with sensible next-step advice on any positive result.
-
NAFLD-focused panel
LFTs with FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis score calculation to risk-stratify fatty liver disease.
-
Post-transplant surveillance
Structured monitoring of graft function for patients under long-term hepatology follow-up.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of hepatologists and labs, we picked them.
Consultant hepatologists, UKAS-accredited labs and FibroScan providers across central London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every hepatologist and laboratory in our network.
-
UKAS-accredited laboratories, with results reviewed by a consultant hepatologist
-
Consultant hepatologists available for same-week interpretation and onward planning
-
FibroScan available same-week across our partner clinics
-
Onward imaging or biopsy pathway arranged directly if a result needs it
Preparation and practicalities
One of the safest tests in medicine.
Liver blood tests are simple, but context matters — alcohol, exercise, medications and pregnancy all change what the numbers mean. We tell you exactly what to do.
-
Fasting and accuracy
Fasting improves lipid accuracy but not LFT accuracy — you don’t need to fast for a standalone liver panel.
-
Alcohol in the 24 hours before
Alcohol in the 24 hrs before a test can raise GGT and AST — avoid it if you want a true baseline.
-
Muscle exercise
Heavy exercise raises ALT and AST because skeletal muscle contains both. Rest for 48 hrs before a repeat test.
-
Statin monitoring
Statin monitoring is a common indication — a small rise in ALT is often expected and rarely a reason to stop.
-
Pregnancy
Pregnancy has trimester-specific reference ranges — ALP in particular rises normally. We interpret accordingly.
-
Abnormal results
Abnormal LFTs need repeat testing and, often, an ultrasound — one out-of-range number is not a diagnosis.
-
Fatty liver is common
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is very common and modifiable — weight, diet and exercise change the numbers.
-
A normal LFT is reassuring but not proof
A normal LFT does not rule out early fibrosis — FibroScan or scoring adds another layer where risk is present.
-
Bring prior results
Always share prior results — trend matters more than any single value.
Reading your report
A liver panel can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However many markers are run, the report follows the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
Reference ranges are a guide, not a verdict — context is everything.
If you would like us to talk you through the pattern before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication, medications and alcohol
Why the test was requested, the medications you take, and your alcohol intake — all of which change how results are read.
- 02 Technique
Which markers were included
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin and any add-ons such as hepatitis serology or fibrosis scoring.
- 03 Findings
Each marker against its range
Every marker alongside its reference range, with anything outside the range clearly flagged.
- 04 Impression
Read this first
Normal, hepatocellular versus cholestatic pattern, and whether imaging, repeat testing or a hepatology review is the sensible next step.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Routine screening is often self-funded; where testing is medically indicated we confirm cover with your insurer.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about liver function tests.
Quick answers on cost, fasting, alcohol, statins, pregnancy and FibroScan.
-
What do liver function tests actually measure?
A standard LFT panel measures ALT and AST (enzymes released when liver cells are damaged), ALP and GGT (markers of bile-duct or cholestatic problems), bilirubin (a pigment cleared by the liver), and total protein and albumin (a measure of the liver’s synthetic function).
-
Do I need to fast for an LFT?
No — a standalone liver panel does not need fasting. If you are having lipids or glucose at the same time, an 8-12 hour fast improves those results.
-
How long should I avoid alcohol before the test?
At least 24 hours, ideally 48-72 hours. Alcohol in the day before the test can raise GGT and AST and make the panel harder to interpret.
-
I take a statin — will it affect my LFTs?
A small rise in ALT is expected on statins and rarely a reason to stop. Statin monitoring is one of the most common reasons for repeat LFTs, and we help you and your prescriber judge whether a change is warranted.
-
Are LFTs different in pregnancy?
Yes — ALP rises normally in the third trimester because it is also produced by the placenta, and other markers have trimester-specific ranges. We use pregnancy-specific reference ranges when interpreting.
-
How much do private liver function tests cost in London?
A standard LFT panel is typically £45-£90, LFTs with fasting lipids £75-£150, and a full liver work-up £250-£500. FibroScan starts at £300 and a full panel with a hepatologist review is £400-£800.
-
Do I need a referral?
Most private LFT panels accept self-referral. A hepatologist consult or FibroScan is best arranged with clinical context, and we can organise a fast-track private GP or hepatology appointment.
-
How quickly do I get the results?
A standard LFT panel is usually back within 24 hours. Full work-ups with hepatitis serology and fibrosis markers take 3-5 days. FibroScan results are available on the day.
-
What is a FibroScan?
FibroScan is a non-invasive ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness in a few minutes. It is the modern alternative to biopsy for assessing fibrosis, and is particularly useful for fatty liver and hepatitis follow-up.
-
When should I see a GP urgently rather than book privately?
If you have jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools, severe right-sided abdominal pain, confusion, or vomiting blood — that is a same-day GP or A&E situation, not a private clinic booking.
Related tests