Why Do I Need a Repeat Liver Function Test? Key Reasons Explained

Did your doctor ask you to repeat your liver function test (LFT) even if you apparently feel fine? It’s normal to get confused: ‘Why do I need another test if nothing looks wrong?’ Don’t worry, as a follow-up blood test doesn’t always indicate something serious.

Doctors often request a repeat liver function test to cross-check results, eliminate the risk of testing errors, or track changes in your liver health over time. So, if your doctor suggests repeating a liver test, don’t stress; rather, consider it a crucial step toward keeping your health on the safe side.

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Should I Be Worried About Repeating a Blood Test for Liver Function?

Being asked to repeat LFTs often feels concerning, but usually, it’s not something serious. Doctors often request a retest to ensure testing accuracy and track health improvements. Moreover, a repeated test also helps your doctor get clear insights into your liver health to decide the treatment options. So, if you’re repeating your blood test for liver, there’s no need to panic. Instead, take it as a step toward the right diagnosis and treatment.

Also Read: Why Do I Need a Repeat Blood Test?

6 Key Reasons Why Doctors Ask for a Liver Function Retest?

There are many possible reasons why your doctor recommends a liver test to be repeated, but some are more common than others. Depending on visible signs, results of the first test, and your health condition, you may be asked to repeat it within a week, a couple of weeks, or even after a month or more. 

Here are the possible reasons for re-evaluating your liver health through comprehensive screening:

Tracking a Health Condition Over Time

Liver blood tests are often repeated to monitor ongoing health issues or see how well treatment is working. For example, people who have fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or are on long-term medications may need reevaluation to check the levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin.

Abnormal Results

If your liver function test results are above or below the reference ranges, your doctor may recommend a follow-up screening. Small variations can be due to diet changes, stress, or lab differences, but significantly abnormal results, like high ALT or bilirubin levels, need a thorough confirmation.

Borderline Test Reports

Sometimes, your clinical values may show certain biomarkers at the borderline for which follow-up tests are recommended. A slightly raised GGT or ALP level may not always be serious, but it can point to an early liver disorder. 

Testing Errors

From sample collection to lab analysis, the blood testing process involves several steps, each requires careful handling and best practices. However, mistakes can sometimes occur, such as:

• Improper sample collection: An unprofessional or unhygienic blood draw can affect results.
• Not following test instructions: Such as not fasting before a fasting test or ignoring dietary restrictions.
• Sample handling issues: Delays in transport or incorrect storage reduce test accuracy.
• Technical errors: Faults in lab equipment lead to unreliable reports.

Risk of False Positive Results

If your blood test report does not match your symptoms or overall health, your doctor may ask for a confirmatory test to rule out false positive results and ensure accurate assessment..

Early Detection of Potential Health Issues

Repeating a liver function test helps in detecting a liver problem at an early stage. Sometimes, mild changes in liver enzymes or slightly raised bilirubin levels don’t show clear symptoms but may indicate issues such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even the early stages of cirrhosis.

By repeating the test, your doctor can spot these warning signs early, monitor changes, and recommend lifestyle adjustments. 

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What to Do If Your Doctor Asks for Retesting?

Repeating a liver blood test usually follows the same process and precautions as the first time. However, it’s important to be extra careful this time to avoid anything that might affect the accuracy of your results. Here are some important points to consider before repeating LFTs:

Stay Calm

Being tensed before repeating a blood test is common, but stress can sometimes affect certain markers. Therefore, try to keep your mind relaxed by practising deep breathing, listening to your favourite music, or doing a light walk.

Follow Instructions

Every health screening needs specific guidelines to follow. If you are repeating LFTs, carefully follow your doctor’s advice about fasting, medication, or lifestyle changes to avoid inaccuracy.

Ask If Fasting Is Required

Not all liver tests need fasting, but sometimes your doctor may request it. If fasting is required, it's important to avoid oily, processed, or high-sugar foods for 8–12 hours before the test.

Maintain Hygiene for Self-Sampling

If you are doing a finger-prick or home blood test, hygiene maintenance is the key. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, use the provided alcohol swab to clean the fingertip, and only use the sterile equipment included in the kit. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures a clean sample.

Don’t Panic

It’s normal to feel nervous about your blood test, especially if it’s a follow-up screening. However, staying calm helps keep your blood pressure and stress hormones normal, which support more accurate results.

Stop Caffeine/Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can change hydration, blood sugar, and liver-related values. Try to avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages for at least 12–24 hours before your blood test.

Ask Your GP If Medicines Should Be Skipped

If you’re already taking prescribed medicines or supplements, do not stop them on your own. Some medications may need to be paused before a test, while others should be continued. Therefore, always discuss with your GP to know what to do.

When to Repeat Liver Function Test?

You may need a confirmatory liver function test if your initial results are abnormal, borderline, or inconsistent with your symptoms. Doctors may request retesting within a few weeks or months to monitor ongoing conditions, or simply check how your liver is responding to medicines or lifestyle modifications.

What happens if the liver function test is still abnormal?

If your liver function retest (LFT) is still abnormal, your doctor will investigate further to find the underlying cause. This may include checking specific liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) or asking for additional tests such as an ultrasound, MRI, hepatitis screening, or fibrosis assessment. 

Persistent abnormalities don’t always indicate a serious situation. However, these levels can indicate something concerning, like fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related liver damage, or medication side effects, so timely follow-up is important.

Conclusion

Repeating a blood test is a routine part of medical care and rarely a cause for concern. Doctors may recommend it to confirm results, monitor ongoing conditions, or rule out potential errors. 

At The National Blood Test Clinic, we deliver accurate testing through our UKAS-accredited laboratories. Book your appointment today at one of our accredited clinics in London, Birmingham, or Manchester and take the next step toward precision.