ALT

Alternative Names: SGPT; Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; Alanine transaminase; Alanine aminotransferase

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

This article discusses the test to measure the amount of ALT in the blood.

Why is the Test Performed?

This test is used to determine if a patient has liver damage.

How is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture

How will the Test Feel?

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

ALT Risks

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Bleeding from where the needle was inserted
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
• Infection (rare)

Normal Results for ALT

Normal range can vary according to a number of factors, including age and gender. Normal value ranges may also vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased levels of ALT often means that liver disease is present. Liver disease is even more likely when levels of other liver blood tests are also increased.

An increase in ALT levels may be due to:

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Death of liver tissue (liver necrosis)
• Hepatitis
• Hemochromatosis
• Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
• Liver tumor or cancer
• Medications that are toxic to the liver
• Mononucleosis ("mono")
• Pancreatitis (swollen and inflamed pancreas)

Review Date: 2/20/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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