An at-home liver test can check for liver disease or help monitor an ongoing condition by measuring certain proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood.

Taking this test can help shed light on the health of your liver, as up to 50% of people with acute liver disease don’t experience any symptoms.

However, results from any at-home tests should be discussed with your doctor.

If you’re considering an at-home liver test, here are some of the best ones to consider.

A liver function test helps assess the health and condition of the liver. These tests measure specific enzymes and proteins in your blood for abnormal levels, which can indicate liver damage.

An at-home liver test shouldn’t be considered diagnostic, but it’s a good starting point for a discussion with your healthcare professional.

You might consider an at-home liver function test as a way of monitoring side effects from certain medications, assessing treatment for a disease, diagnosing symptoms stemming from a liver disorder, or checking for liver damage from heavy alcohol consumption.

To make our recommendations for the best at-home liver tests, we looked for companies that use accredited laboratories for accurate results. This includes labs certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

We also considered:

  • price
  • biomarkers checked in each test
  • turnaround time
  • customer reviews

Read more about Healthline’s vetting guidelines.

That being said, we’ve also included some options that offer in-person testing. While at-home liver tests are a good option for people who would prefer skipping a visit to the doctor, in-person liver tests may be better for those who:

  • have existing health concerns or conditions
  • have questions about the test or their liver health
  • feel uncomfortable with collecting their own sample

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = over $50

Best all-in-one test

Lab.Me Crucial Health Test

  • Price: $$
  • Accepts insurance: no

The Crucial Health Test from Lab.Me is an all-in-one at-home test to check both cardiovascular and liver health. You can complete the finger prick collection method in about 5 minutes, and results are available online within 2 to 3 days after the lab receives your sample.

Lab.Me uses accredited labs for accuracy.

Keep in mind that it isn’t limited to liver disease. It tests for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and proteins and lipids that can indicate cardiovascular disease.

Pros

  • rapid results
  • reasonably priced
  • multiple biomarkers tested

Cons

  • not specific to liver health
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Most informative test

Verisana Liver Function Test

  • Price: $$
  • Accepts insurance: no

The Liver Function Test from Verisana measures three markers: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBILI). Verisana states that you’ll have to collect a dried blood sample and then send it to their lab. It should take around 3 weeks to receive your results via email.

Once the lab has completed analysis of your sample, you’ll get a lab report that states your ALT, AST, and TBILI levels. If something is off, they’ll provide potential symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of that imbalance. That being said, they don’t offer additional medical guidance but recommend seeing a doctor after receiving your results.

Pros

  • comprehensive results
  • can receive results both digitally via email and physically in the mail
  • at-home sample collection is easy

Cons

  • expensive
  • takes a while to get results
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Best test for rapid results

Health Testing Centers Expanded Liver Panel

  • Price: $
  • Accepts insurance: no

The Expanded Liver Panel from Health Testing Centers measures enzymes and proteins to determine liver function. While results are available in 1 to 2 days, this test is different from those you complete at home.

Instead of completing the finger prick test yourself, you’ll visit a local lab for a blood draw. During the purchase of your test, you’ll have the option of choosing between LabCorp and Quest. You’ll receive an email form that you’ll need to take with you to the lab.

Your results are available in a secure online portal, and you may also receive a phone call in certain instances.

This can be a good option if you’re concerned about following the collection process properly, but you will have to plan for the in-person lab visit.

Pros

  • affordable
  • rapid results
  • subscription available for discounts

Cons

  • requires a lab visit
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Best budget-friendly test

Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function Panel Blood Test

  • Price: $
  • Accepts insurance: no

The Hepatic Function Panel Blood Test from Walk-In-Lab is similar to the one offered by Health Testing Centers because you’ll need to visit a local laboratory. You can choose LabCorp or Quest for your sample collection. Your sample will be tested for albumin, ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), AST, bilirubin, and total protein.

Results are available online within 2 to 3 days, excluding holidays. You’ll receive an email with access to your confidential lab report.

Pros

  • affordably priced
  • quick turnaround
  • you’ll receive a digital lab report via email

Cons

  • requires a lab visit
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Testing biomarkersPriceResults turnaround
Lab.Me Crucial Health TestGGT$$2–3 days
Verisana Liver Function Test– ALT
– AST
– TBILI		$$up to 3 weeks
Health Testing Centers Expanded Liver Panel– ALT
– ALP
– AST
– bilirubin
– albumin
– total protein		$1–2 days
Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function Panel Blood Test– ALT
– ALP
– AST
– bilirubin
– albumin
– total protein		$2–3 days

There are a few kinds of liver function tests, and they can provide different information depending on the test.

Liver enzyme tests include:

  • ALT: The test will check for elevated levels of ATL in the body. ATL can be released into the body if the liver isn’t functioning well.
  • ALP: This can check for damage to the liver or bile duct.
  • GGT: This test looks for elevated levels of GGT in the blood, which can be a sign of liver or bile duct damage.

Liver protein tests screen for specific levels of:

  • globulin
  • albumin
  • prothrombin

Low levels of globulin and albumin and an elevated level of prothrombin can indicate liver damage or other conditions.

A bilirubin test is another way to check for liver damage. As red blood cells break down, bilirubin is produced as waste and processed in the liver. High levels of bilirubin can be a sign of a damaged liver. However, some types of inherited diseases may also affect bilirubin levels, even with proper liver function.

The liver is an interesting organ, and in some cases, it’s capable of healing itself without treatment. However, a liver disorder can be very serious — even life threatening.

People experiencing liver disease may have the following symptoms:

  • fatigue
  • loss of energy or weakness
  • jaundice, or yellowing eyes and skin
  • weight loss
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • dark urine or light stools

Early detection of a liver condition is important, so it’s a good idea to investigate further if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Many of the steps people take to lead a healthy lifestyle benefit the liver, including diet and exercise.

Eat a varied and nutritious diet, and avoid foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar. Specifically, it’s important to avoid fried foods and raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters and crabs. Be mindful of eating a balanced diet that includes fiber.

Exercising consistently is also important. Together with a balanced diet, it can help keep your body mass index under 30.

Be sure to hydrate and minimize alcohol use, too. The liver needs water to function properly.

If you take an at-home liver test and your results indicate that you’re at risk of liver disease, consult a healthcare professional.

If you’re noticing symptoms of a potential liver condition and your results are normal, it’s still a good idea to seek a second opinion.

How do I know if my liver is healthy?

You can help keep your liver healthy by following a healthy lifestyle. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimal alcohol consumption can all contribute to a healthy liver.

Be aware of the symptoms of liver disease, which can include:

  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • jaundice
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dark urine or light stools

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, even though you follow healthy lifestyle practices, speak with a healthcare professional.

Are at-home liver tests accurate?

They can be, but it’s important to follow directions to ensure you’re completing every step properly. Keep in mind that failing to follow directions can result in inaccurate results.

Also, confirm that your sample is being tested at a reputable laboratory for testing, such as one that is CLIA approved.

How do you know if enzymes and proteins relating to your liver are elevated?

An at-home liver test checks for abnormal levels of certain proteins and enzymes, which can indicate a potential liver condition.

The liver is an essential organ that plays a key role in your health. An at-home liver test can be a helpful tool for checking the condition of your liver.

It’s important to follow up with a healthcare professional if you receive abnormal results or if you’re experiencing symptoms of liver disease.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.