|
|
|
|
ALT
Also known as: Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, SGPT Formally known as: Alanine aminotransferase Related tests: AST, ALP, bilirubin, liver panel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Test
|
|
How is it used?When is it ordered?What does the test result mean?Is there anything else I should know?
A physician usually orders an ALT test (and several others) to evaluate a patient who has symptoms of a liver disorder. Some of these symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, unusual weight gain, and abdominal pain. ALT can also be ordered, either by itself or with other tests, for:
- persons who have a history of known or possible exposure to hepatitis viruses,
- those who drink too much alcohol,
- individuals whose families have a history of liver disease, or
- persons who take drugs that might occasionally damage the liver.
In persons with mild symptoms, such as fatigue or loss of energy, ALT may be tested to make sure they do not have chronic liver disease. ALT is often used to monitor the treatment of persons who have liver disease, to see if the treatment is working, and may be ordered either by itself or along with other tests.
What does the test result mean?
Very high levels of ALT (more than 10 times the highest normal level) are usually due to acute hepatitis, often due to a virus infection. In acute hepatitis, ALT levels usually stay high for about 1–2 months, but can take as long as 3–6 months to come back to normal.
ALT levels are usually not as high in chronic hepatitis, often less than 4 times the highest normal level: in this case, ALT levels often vary between normal and slightly increased, so doctors typically will order the test frequently to see if there is a pattern. In some liver diseases, especially when the bile ducts are blocked, when a person has cirrhosis, and when other types of liver cancer are present, ALT may be close to normal levels. PLEASE NOTE: Numerically
reported test results are interpreted according to the test's reference range, which
may vary by the patient's age, sex, as well as the instrumentation or kit used to perform the
test. A specific result within the reference (normal) range – for any test – does not ensure
health just as a result outside the reference range may not indicate disease. To learn more
about reference ranges, please see the article,
Reference Ranges and What They Mean.
To learn the reference range for your test, consult your doctor or laboratorian. Lab Tests
Online recommends you consult your physician to discuss your test results as a part of a
complete medical examination.
Is there anything else I should know?
A shot or injection of medicine into the muscle tissue, or strenuous exercise, may increase ALT levels.
Many drugs may raise ALT levels by causing liver damage in a very small percentage of patients taking the drug. This is true of both prescription drugs and some “natural” health products. If your doctor finds that you have a high ALT, tell him or her about all the drugs and health products you are taking.
|
|
|
This page was last modified on
January 14, 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|