Alanine Aminotransferase
Category:
Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT)
Description
Alternative name: Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, SGPT.
It is an enzyme that is present in liver and heart. Also in the kidneys and muscles.
Also present in high concentration into blood when heart or liver are damaged (hepatitis
or heart attack for example). Some medications also increase ALT concentration in
blood.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from
vein in the arm.
Purpose of
the test
The main purpose of the test is to check for high levels of ALT, as a result of
liver or heart damage.
Normally concentration in blood of ALT is low.
When liver or heart suffer damage as a result, for example, of hepatitis
virus or heart attack ALT is released into blood flux.
This high level of ALT is previous to other visible effects as yellow color on the
eyes and skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, dark urine, abdominal pain, abdominal
swelling and unusual weight gain.
This test is also prescribed to persons who:
·
have a history of known
or possible exposure to
hepatitis
viruses,
·
drink too much alcohol
·
have families with history
of
liver
disease
·
take drugs that might occasionally
damage the liver.
ALT concentration is compared to levels of
other
enzymes, such as
alkaline phosphatase
(ALP)
and
aspartate aminotransferase
(AST),
to determine what kind of health problem is present.
Reference
range values (North America)
6 - 41
units per liter
(U/L)
Abnormal
findings
Very high levels of ALT are caused by:
·
Severe liver damage, such
as viral hepatitis.
·
Lead poisoning.
·
Drug.
·
Exposure to carbon tetrachloride.
·
Decay of a large tumor.
·
Shock.
High ALT levels are caused by:
·
Mononucleosis.
·
Hepatitis.
·
Alcoholism.
Slightly high levels ALT levels are caused by:
·
Fatty deposits in liver.
·
Aspirin,
statins,
antibiotics,
chemotherapy,
narcotics, and
barbiturates.
·
Chronic liver diseases,
such as cirrhosis.