4 Best At-Home Liver Tests to Try in 2022

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, since up to 50 percent of people who have acute liver disease don’t experience any symptoms.

However, results from these 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 check out.

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.

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

Liver enzyme tests include:

• Alanine transaminase (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.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This can check for damage to the liver or bile duct.
• Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (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 bloods 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 disease 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 who are 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.

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

You can read more about Healthline’s vetting guidelines here.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $50
• $$ = $50–$75
• $$$ = over $75

Most comprehensive test

LetsGetChecked Liver Test

• Price: $$$
• Pros: prepaid shipping, wide testing panel, subscription available for discounts
• Con: high price point
• Accepts insurance: no

The finger prick test from LetsGetChecked is an at-home liver test designed to determine liver function. It tests for a range of proteins and enzymes, including albumin, globulin, ALP, ALT, and GGT.

The kit comes with everything you need to activate your test and collect your sample. Samples should be returned on the same day you take them, and the kit includes a prepaid shipping label. Samples shouldn’t be collected on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

Samples are processed in CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratories.

Results are available via a secure online account within 2 to 5 days. LetsGetChecked has a team of board certified physicians and nurses. If your results are abnormal, you’ll receive a call.

Best all-in-one test

Lab.Me At Home Crucial Health Check

• Price: $$
• Pros: rapid results, reasonable price, multiple biomarkers tested
• Con: not specific to liver health
• Accepts insurance: no

The Crucial Health Check 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 your sample is received by the lab.

Lab.Me uses accredited labs for accuracy.

This can be a good test for anyone interested in checking their heart and liver health, but keep in mind that it isn’t limited to liver disease. It tests for GGT, as well as proteins and lipids that can indicate cardiovascular disease.

Best test for quick results

Health Testing Centers Expanded Liver Panel

• Price: $
• Pros: good price point, rapid results, subscription available for discounts
• Con: requires a lab visit
• Accepts insurance: no

The expanded liver panel test from Health Testing Centers measures enzymes and proteins to determine liver function. While results are available in just 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.

Best budget-friendly test

Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test

• Price: $
• Pro: good price point
• Con: requires a lab visit
• Accepts insurance: no

The liver 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. Then it will be tested for albumin, ALT, 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.

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 (BMI) under 30.

You should also hydrate and minimize alcohol use. 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, you should 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 balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimal alcohol consumption all contribute to a healthy liver.

Be aware of 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, you should 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.

You should also confirm that your sample is being tested at a reputable laboratory for testing, such as those that are 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.