Biochemistry Test

Test : Alanine transaminase


Indications : The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is done for the following reasons and symptoms (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
ALT Blood Test

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• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Jaundice
•  Obesity
• Diagnose liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis
• Diagnose liver damage
• Alcohol abuse disorder
• Diabetes

Prior to taking the test, talk to the doctors regarding the medicines and herbal supplements that you may be taking. Some of these need to be stopped, as they interfere with the test results. Also, avoid doing strenuous exercise prior to the test. Cardiac catheterization a few days before the test can also interfere with the results (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

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The blood sample for the test is usually taken intravenously and normally involves very little risk.

Physiology : Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. It is also found in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas. ALT was earlier referred to as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test

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ALT is measured if liver damage is suspected. Normally, low levels of ALT are found in the blood. But when liver damage sets in, ALT is released into the bloodstream, raising its levels.

The ALT test is often done along with other tests such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Both ALT and AST levels are taken into consideration as reliable tests to diagnose liver damage. The ALT /AST ratio is taken, particularly to diagnose liver damage caused by alcoholism (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test

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Normal Range : Normal range of ALT is 4-35U/L. It may vary slightly among different laboratories. So, consult your health care provider about the specific test results (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test

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Interpretation : The result of the ALT test is usually available within 12 hours. The normal values (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test

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• 14-20 units /liter (U /L) for males
• 10 -36 units /liter (U/L) for females

High ALT values indicate (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Aspartate Transaminase

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• Liver damage due to hepatitis /cirrhosis
• Exposure to carbon tetrachloride
• Lead poisoning
• Necrosis
• Intake of certain medications
• Growth spurts in the young
• Muscle injury
• Heart attack
• Pancreatitis

More Information

In children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), high ALT values could indicate a bad prognosis (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prognostic Factors in Childhood Leukemia (ALL or AML)

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References:

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