Liver Blood Tests in the UAE: LFT, Hepatitis Screening & Price Comparison
Your liver works silently — most people with liver damage feel no symptoms until the disease is advanced. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) measure enzymes and proteins that reveal damage, inflammation, or reduced liver function. In the UAE, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is alarmingly common, affecting 30-40% of adults, largely driven by obesity and diabetes. Hepatitis B screening is also important for adult expats who may not have been vaccinated as children.
Tests You Need
Risk Factors
Common Symptoms
UAE Health Context
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent liver conditions in the UAE, with studies estimating it affects 25-40% of the adult population. This is directly linked to the UAE's high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD is frequently discovered incidentally when a routine LFT panel shows mildly elevated ALT and AST levels. Hepatitis B is another concern — while vaccination is now mandatory in the UAE childhood immunisation schedule, many adult expats who grew up in countries without universal vaccination may be undiagnosed carriers. LFTs plus a Hepatitis B surface antigen test are recommended for this group. The UAE's large population of South Asian and Southeast Asian workers comes from regions where hepatitis B carrier rates range from 2-8%, making screening particularly relevant. All standard UAE labs offer both LFT panels and Hepatitis B screening without a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a liver function test cost in the UAE?
An LFT panel (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin) costs AED 80-160 across UAE labs. Hepatitis B surface antigen testing costs AED 60-100. Together, a liver screening (LFT + Hepatitis B) costs approximately AED 140-260.
Do liver function tests require fasting?
LFT does not strictly require fasting, though some labs recommend a light fast for the most accurate albumin and bilirubin readings. Hepatitis B testing does not require fasting. If you are combining LFT with other fasting tests (lipid profile, glucose), fast for the other tests and the LFT will still be valid.
What does it mean if my ALT is elevated?
A mildly elevated ALT (1-3x upper limit of normal) is very common in the UAE and most often indicates fatty liver (NAFLD). It can also be caused by medications (statins, paracetamol), alcohol, or viral hepatitis. A doctor will typically request an ultrasound and repeat LFT in 3-6 months. Significantly elevated ALT (more than 5x normal) warrants urgent investigation.
Should expats get hepatitis B screening in the UAE?
Yes, particularly if you were not vaccinated as a child or are unsure of your vaccination history. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a simple, inexpensive test (AED 60-100) that tells you if you are a carrier. If negative and unvaccinated, you can get the Hepatitis B vaccine series at any UAE clinic.
Other Condition-Based Test Guides
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The tests listed are commonly associated with this condition but may not be appropriate for every individual. Always consult a licensed physician before ordering medical tests or making health decisions. Prices are based on publicly available UAE lab pricing as of March 2026 and may vary. Regulated by the UAE healthcare regulator (Dubai), the UAE healthcare regulator (Abu Dhabi), and Ministry of Health and Prevention (the UAE healthcare regulator).