Alanine aminotransferase & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is alanine aminotransferase?

The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test can measure the amount of enzymes in the blood. Most of the ALT is found in the liver and a small proportion of it is found in the kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas. ALT was previously known as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).

By measuring ALT, liver disorders and diseases can be detected. Under normal conditions, the level of ALT in the blood is relatively low. However, when the liver condition decreases or is damaged, the liver will release ALT into the bloodstream so that the amount of ALT will rise. Most of the elevated ALT is caused by liver damage.

The ALT test is often done along with other tests to check for liver damage. These tests include aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bilirubin. Both ALT and AST are accurate tests for detecting liver damage.

When should I take alanine aminotransferase?

The ALT test is done periodically to:

• monitor the activity of liver diseases, such as hepatitis
• determine the right time for the treatment of liver disease
• evaluate how effective the treatment is
• In general, elevated ALT in the blood is a sign of liver damage. However, in some cases, it was found that patients with severe liver disease or cirrhosis had normal ALT levels

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking alanine aminotransferase?

The results of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test are often elaborated with the results of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test to obtain the ratio of AST to ALT. Both of these tests can diagnose damage to the liver associated with alcohol abuse.

In a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a very high ALT level indicates rapid disease progression. Increasing ALT in the blood can be caused by various factors and conditions. Therefore, other tests are needed to get accurate results.

Process

What should I do before taking alanine aminotransferase?

There is no special preparation before undergoing this test.

How is the alanine aminotransferase process?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Put the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after taking alanine aminotransferase?

After the test, you can return home. Usually the test results will come out within 12 hours of the test.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal

The normal range for each test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Thus, the normal range specified is not absolute. The doctor will check the test results taking into account the patient's health condition as well as other factors that may reduce the accuracy of the test results.

Man:	10–40 units per liter (U / L) or 0.17–0.68 microcatals per liter (mckat / L)
Female:	7–35 U / L or 0.12–0.60 mckat / L

Abnormal

High ALT levels can be caused by:

• liver damage, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
• lead poisoning
• exposure to carbon tetrachloride
• damage by a large tumor (necrosis)
• drugs, such as statins, antibiotics, chemotherapy, aspirin, narcotics, and barbiturates
• mononucleosis
• infancy, especially in children, causes a slight increase in ALT