Alt lab test normal range. ALT Blood Test: Understanding Liver Function and Normal Ranges
What is the ALT blood test. How is the ALT test performed. What are normal ALT levels. What can cause elevated ALT levels. How to prepare for an ALT test. What are the risks of an ALT blood test. What other liver function tests are commonly performed.
What is the ALT Blood Test and Why is it Important?
The Alanine Transaminase (ALT) blood test, also known as Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) test, is a crucial diagnostic tool used to assess liver function and detect potential liver damage. ALT is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells, with smaller amounts present in muscle, kidney, and other organs. When liver cells are damaged or die, ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels that can be detected through this test.
Why is the ALT test important? It serves as a key indicator of liver health and function. The liver plays vital roles in the body, including:
- Producing bile for digestion
- Removing toxins and waste products from the blood
- Synthesizing proteins and cholesterol
- Converting food into energy
By monitoring ALT levels, healthcare providers can detect liver damage early, potentially preventing more serious liver conditions from developing or progressing.
How is the ALT Test Performed and What to Expect
The ALT test is a simple blood test that requires minimal preparation. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- A healthcare professional will clean the area, usually on your arm, where the blood will be drawn.
- A small needle will be inserted into a vein to collect a blood sample.
- You may feel a slight prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted.
- The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are there any special preparations required for the ALT test? Generally, no special preparation is needed. However, your healthcare provider may advise you to fast for a certain period before the test, especially if other blood tests are being performed simultaneously.
Understanding ALT Test Results: Normal Ranges and Interpretations
Interpreting ALT test results is crucial for assessing liver health. What are considered normal ALT levels? The normal range for ALT can vary slightly between laboratories, but generally:
- For adults: 4 to 36 units per liter (U/L)
- For children: The range may be wider and can vary with age and gender
It’s important to note that “normal” can vary based on factors such as age, gender, and the specific testing methods used by the laboratory. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the most accurate interpretation of your results.
What do elevated ALT levels indicate? Higher than normal ALT levels often suggest liver damage or disease. However, the extent of the elevation can provide clues about the nature and severity of the liver issue:
- Mild elevations (less than 2-3 times the upper limit of normal) may indicate chronic conditions like fatty liver disease or long-term medication use.
- Moderate elevations (3-10 times the upper limit) could suggest hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, or other liver disorders.
- Severe elevations (more than 10 times the upper limit) often indicate acute liver injury, such as viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver damage.
Common Causes of Elevated ALT Levels
Understanding the potential causes of elevated ALT levels is crucial for diagnosing and treating liver conditions. What factors can lead to increased ALT in the blood? Some common causes include:
- Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Fatty liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Liver cancer or tumors
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
- Medications (certain antibiotics, painkillers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- Mononucleosis
- Pancreatitis
Can non-liver related factors affect ALT levels? Yes, in some cases, elevated ALT may be due to conditions not directly related to the liver, such as:
- Muscle damage or injury
- Intense exercise
- Celiac disease
- Thyroid disorders
Preparing for an ALT Test: Tips and Considerations
While the ALT test generally doesn’t require extensive preparation, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking, as some may affect the test results.
- If fasting is required, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as it can temporarily elevate ALT levels.
- Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive fluid intake right before the test.
Should you stop taking medications before the ALT test? Never discontinue any prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. They may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications if they could interfere with the test results.
Risks and Side Effects of the ALT Blood Test
The ALT blood test is generally considered safe with minimal risks. However, as with any blood draw, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Slight pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site
- Bruising or swelling
- Dizziness or fainting (rare)
- Infection at the puncture site (very rare)
Are there any contraindications for the ALT test? The test is safe for most people. However, individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should inform their healthcare provider before the test.
Complementary Liver Function Tests: A Comprehensive Approach
While the ALT test is valuable, it’s often part of a broader panel of liver function tests. What other tests are commonly performed alongside ALT? These may include:
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
- Prothrombin Time (PT)
Why are multiple tests often performed? Each test provides different information about liver function and health. Together, they offer a more comprehensive picture, allowing healthcare providers to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
The AST/ALT Ratio: A Valuable Diagnostic Tool
The ratio of AST to ALT levels can provide additional insights into liver health. What does this ratio indicate?
- A ratio greater than 2:1 (AST:ALT) often suggests alcoholic liver disease.
- A ratio less than 1:1 is more typical of viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
However, this ratio should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and test results.
Living with Liver Disease: Management and Lifestyle Changes
If elevated ALT levels indicate liver disease, what steps can be taken to manage the condition and improve liver health? Depending on the underlying cause, management may include:
- Medications to treat specific liver conditions
- Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing alcohol consumption or losing weight
- Dietary changes to support liver function
- Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and function
Can liver damage be reversed? In many cases, especially if caught early, liver damage can be reversed or its progression slowed. The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, but this depends on the extent of the damage and the underlying cause.
The Role of Diet in Liver Health
A healthy diet can significantly impact liver function. What dietary recommendations are often made for liver health?
- Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Choose lean proteins and healthy fats
- Limit saturated fats, added sugars, and salt
- Stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic, non-sugary beverages
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
Are there specific foods that are particularly beneficial for the liver? Some foods that may support liver health include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts
- Berries and other antioxidant-rich fruits
- Fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Nuts and seeds
- Green tea
The Future of Liver Function Testing: Emerging Technologies and Approaches
While blood tests like ALT remain the gold standard for assessing liver function, new technologies and approaches are emerging. What advancements are on the horizon for liver function testing?
- Non-invasive imaging techniques: Advanced ultrasound and MRI technologies can provide detailed information about liver structure and function without the need for a blood draw.
- Genetic testing: Identifying genetic markers associated with liver diseases may allow for earlier detection and more personalized treatment approaches.
- Biomarker panels: Comprehensive panels of biomarkers may offer more nuanced insights into liver health and disease progression.
- Artificial intelligence: Machine learning algorithms are being developed to analyze complex patterns in liver function data, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.
How might these advancements impact liver disease management? These new technologies could lead to earlier detection of liver diseases, more precise diagnoses, and more targeted treatment strategies. This could ultimately improve outcomes for patients with liver conditions.
The Role of Continuous Monitoring in Liver Health
Emerging technologies are also making it possible to monitor liver function more continuously. What benefits might continuous monitoring offer?
- Earlier detection of changes in liver function
- More timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans
- Better understanding of how lifestyle factors impact liver health in real-time
- Improved ability to track treatment efficacy
While these technologies are still in development, they hold promise for revolutionizing how we approach liver health and disease management.
Global Perspectives on Liver Disease: Prevalence and Public Health Implications
Liver disease is a significant global health concern, with varying prevalence and causes across different regions. What are some key global trends in liver disease?
- Viral hepatitis remains a major cause of liver disease worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing globally, paralleling rising obesity rates.
- Alcohol-related liver disease continues to be a significant issue in many countries.
- Liver cancer rates are rising in some regions, often linked to chronic liver diseases.
How do these trends impact public health strategies? The global burden of liver disease has led to increased focus on:
- Vaccination programs for hepatitis B
- Screening and treatment initiatives for hepatitis C
- Public health campaigns addressing obesity and alcohol consumption
- Research into new treatments for liver diseases
The Economic Impact of Liver Disease
Liver disease not only affects individual health but also has significant economic implications. What are some of the economic costs associated with liver disease?
- Direct healthcare costs for treatment and management
- Lost productivity due to illness and premature death
- Costs associated with liver transplantation
- Economic burden on families and caregivers
Understanding these economic impacts underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and effective management of liver diseases.
Patient Advocacy and Support: Navigating Life with Liver Disease
For individuals diagnosed with liver disease, patient advocacy and support groups can play a crucial role. What benefits do these organizations offer?
- Education about liver disease and treatment options
- Emotional support and community connection
- Resources for managing daily life with liver disease
- Advocacy for research funding and policy changes
How can patients find and engage with these support networks? Many national and international organizations offer resources, including:
- Online forums and support groups
- Educational materials and webinars
- Local meetups and events
- Helplines for personalized support
Engaging with these resources can help patients feel more empowered in managing their liver health and navigating the challenges of living with liver disease.
The Role of Mental Health in Liver Disease Management
The psychological impact of liver disease is an important aspect of patient care. How does liver disease affect mental health?
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Stress related to managing a chronic condition
- Potential cognitive effects in advanced liver disease
- Social and relationship challenges
Addressing these mental health aspects is crucial for comprehensive liver disease management. Integrating psychological support into liver care can improve overall outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test
Medical Tests
Definition
The alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme ALT in the blood.
Alternative Names
SGPT; Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; Alanine transaminase; Alanine aminotransferase
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
ALT is an enzyme found in a high level in the liver. An enzyme is a protein that causes a specific chemical change in the body.
Injury to the liver results in release of ALT into the blood.
This test is mainly done along with other tests (such as AST, ALP, and bilirubin) to diagnose and monitor liver disease.
Normal Results
The normal range is 4 to 36 U/L.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An increased ALT level is often a sign of liver disease. Liver disease is even more likely when the levels of substances checked by other liver blood tests have also increased.
An increased ALT level may be due to any of the following:
- Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
- Death of liver tissue
- Swollen and inflamed liver (hepatitis)
- Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Too much fat in the liver (fatty liver)
- Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
- Liver tumor or cancer
- Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver
- Mononucleosis (“mono”)
- Swollen and inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
Risks
adam.com”>There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person 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:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT, alanine transaminase, SGPT) – serum. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:109-110.
Pincus MR, Tierno PM, Gleeson E, Bowne WB, Bluth MH. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 21.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 73.
Review Date: 01/26/2019
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2019 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test and Results (aka SGPT Test)
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- Why Is ALT Important?
- Why Would My Doctor Order This Test?
- How Do I Prepare?
- What Happens During the Test?
- What Are the Risks?
- What Do the Results Mean?
- What Other Tests Will I Take?
- More
The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is a blood test that checks for liver damage. Your doctor can use this test to find out if a disease, drug, or injury has damaged your liver.
Your liver does a lot of important things for you:
- It makes a fluid called bile that helps your body digest food.
- It removes waste products and other toxins from your blood.
- It produces proteins and cholesterol.
Diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can damage your liver and prevent it from doing its many jobs.
This enzyme is found mainly in your liver. Smaller amounts of ALT are in your muscle, kidneys , and other organs.
Your body uses ALT to break down food into energy. Normally, ALT levels in the blood are low. If your liver is damaged, it will release more ALT into your blood and levels will rise. (ALT used to be called serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT).
Doctors often give the ALT test along with other liver tests.
Your doctor might recommend ALT if you have symptoms of liver disease or damage, such as:
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin or eyes (a condition called jaundice)
- Weakness
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored poop
- Itchy skin
Here are some reasons you might get this test:
- You’ve been exposed to the hepatitis virus.
- You drink a lot of alcohol.
- You have a family history of liver disease.
- You take medicine that’s known to cause liver damage.
The ALT test can be done as part of a blood panel during a regular exam. If you’ve already been diagnosed with liver disease, your doctor can use the ALT test to see how well your treatment is working.
You don’t need any special preparation for the ALT test. Your doctor might ask you to stop eating or drinking a few hours before the test.
Tell your doctor what prescription drugs or supplements you take. Some medicines can affect the results of this test.
A nurse or lab tech will take a sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. They will first tie a band around the upper part of your arm to make your vein fill with blood and swell up. Then they will clean the area with an antiseptic and place a needle into your vein. Your blood will collect into a vial or tube.
The blood test should take only a couple of minutes. After your blood is taken, the lab tech will remove the needle and band, then put a piece of gauze and a bandage over the spot the needle went in to stop the bleeding.
The ALT blood test is safe. Risks are usually minor, and can include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Slight pain when the needle is inserted
- Fainting or feeling dizzy
You should get your results in about a day. A normal ALT test result can range from 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L), but it varies depending on the laboratory used. Levels are normally higher in men.
Slightly high ALT levels may be caused by:
- Alcohol abuse
- Cirrhosis (long-term damage and scarring of the liver)
- Mononucleosis
- Drugs such as statins, aspirin, and some sleep aids
Moderately high ALT levels may be because of:
- Chronic (ongoing) liver disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Cirrhosis
- Blockage of the bile ducts
- Heart attack or heart failure (when your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body)
- Kidney damage
- Muscle injury
- Damage to red blood cells
- Heat stroke
- Too much vitamin A
Very high ALT levels can be caused by:
- Acute viral hepatitis
- An overdose of drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Liver cancer
- Sepsis
ALT usually is done as part of a group of liver function tests called a liver panel.
This panel also includes an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test. AST is another liver enzyme. As with ALT, the levels of AST in your blood rise if your liver is damaged.
Comparing ALT with AST levels gives your doctor more information about the health of your liver. The AST-to-ASL ratio can help your doctor figure out how severe the liver damage is and what might have caused it.
To find out what type of liver disease you have, your doctor might also test the levels of other enzymes and proteins found in your liver, including:
- Albumin
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Bilirubin
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Total protein
- GGT
Talk to your doctor to make sure you understand all of your liver test results. Also find out how these results might affect your treatment.
Top Picks
Alt-test – ALT Linux Wiki
From ALT Linux Wiki
alt-test – ALT Linux testing framework based on Tapper.
The program is distributed under license GPLv3 .
Usage:
alt-test [options] [test1 ...]
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
-l | Show list of available test modules |
-h | Usage Help |
-v | Show full test progress |
–version | Software version |
The tests are located in /usr/lib/alt-test.
Note: The test program comes with two tests: altlinux and selftest. The first one allows you to check if the current system is an ALT Linux distribution, the second one – to show you obviously fail tests
Contents
- 1 Test start example
- 2 Writing tests
- 2.1 Example
- 2.2 Checks
- 2.2.1 Environment Variables
- 2.2.2 Useful functions
- 2.3 Universal check
- 2. 4 Comments in the output
- 3 Tips and secrets
- 3.1 Stream Processing
alt-test altlinux alt-test -v selftest
The test file has a .t extension and is a shell script. It starts with an interpreter indication line:
#!/bin/sh
Then the test functions are connected:
. alt-test-functions
This is followed by one or more checks and the test description file ends with a function call
test_end
Example
#!/bin/sh . alt-test-functions test_file /etc/hosts test_exec ls test_package coreutils test_end
Checks
Checks | Description |
---|---|
test_file | check if file exists |
test_exec | Check if an executable program exists and is available to run |
test_package | Check if a package is installed on the system or exists on disk. Package name can be specified with version and comparison sign since version 1.1.2. Example: test_package “samba>4.0.16” |
test_unwished_package | Check if the unwanted package is missing from the system or disk. since version 1.1.4 |
Environment variables
Variable | Description |
---|---|
TEST_PACKAGE_SOURCE | Path to file with ISO image, where to check for packages from version 1.1.2 |
Useful functions
Function | Description |
---|---|
get_package_version | Retrieve the version and release of a package installed or existing on disk since version 1.1.0 |
Universal test
ok $? " "
Comments in output
append_comment "Comment"
Names of called files with tests are displayed in comments since version 1. 1.1.
Stream processing
Since test results are accumulated in the $TAP variable, avoid using subshell when streaming (for example, in pipelines):
Wrong:
find /usr/share/applications -name \*.desktop | while read desktop_file; do test_desktop_l10n "$desktop_file" done
Correct:
out="$(mktemp)" find /usr/share/applications -name \*.desktop > $out while read -r desktop_file; do test_desktop_l10n "$desktop_file" done < $out rm -f $out
ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, SGPT, Alanine aminotransferase)
Alanine aminotransferase (AlAT, ALT) is an intracellular enzyme, the content of which in the blood of healthy people is low. It is mainly found in the cells of the liver, myocardium, skeletal muscles, pancreas. When cells containing ALT are damaged or destroyed, the enzyme is released into the bloodstream, and its concentration in the blood increases.
Determination of the level of alanine aminotransferase is carried out for the diagnosis of liver diseases and dynamic monitoring of their treatment. The analysis is performed for suspected acute or chronic hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, primary tumors, or metastatic liver disease.
The growth of alanine aminotransferase in the blood in hepatitis is noted much earlier than the onset of the icteric stage, which makes it possible to identify the pathology at the initial stage.
As part of a screening examination (preventive examination of persons who do not have complaints) to assess the condition of the liver, before planned hospitalization and surgical treatment, an analysis for ALT is prescribed together with another enzyme - AsAT (aspartate aminotransferase).
The level of ALT together with other enzymes is evaluated in diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder - pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis; if there are complaints of unexplained general weakness, fatigue, yellowness of the skin and sclera, abdominal pain, including a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting.
In addition, the ALT level is taken into account in myocardial infarction and myocarditis, although in cases of heart damage it is only of secondary importance. The study is prescribed for suspected myositis, myodystrophy, when complaints of muscle pain cannot be explained by injuries or excessive physical activity.
Donation is a mandatory reason for testing for ALT.
ALT values are assessed in any chronic disease, before prescribing drug therapy, for example, antitumor, anti-tuberculosis drugs, to assess the initial state of the liver and over time to assess drug tolerance.
Preparing for the procedure
It is better to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach (after an 8-14 hour break after the last meal).
Drinking water is allowed.
If necessary, it is permissible to donate blood 4-6 hours after a light meal.
On the eve it is desirable to avoid physical and emotional overload, overeating.
Avoid drinking alcohol 5-6 days before the test.
Avoid smoking 30 minutes before blood sampling.
Deadline
The survey is completed within one business day.
What can affect the results
Intense physical activity the day before and even a few days before the test can lead to damage to muscle tissue (the so-called tear of muscle fibers) and, accordingly, an increase in the level of ALT. For the same reason, the analysis given after the injury is not informative.
Taking alcohol, certain drugs (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer drugs, oral contraceptives, etc.) often distort the result of the study. The list of medications taken should be discussed with the doctor who ordered the analysis, cancel those that are possible - without risk to health.
ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase)
For research, blood is taken from a vein. Usually, ASAT (AST, Aspartate aminotransferase) is determined simultaneously and the ratio of ASAT / AlAT (de Ritis coefficient) is estimated.
You can take a blood test for ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase) at the nearest INVITRO medical office. The list of offices where biomaterial is accepted for laboratory testing is presented in the "Addresses" section.
Interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.
Normal
Units of measure: U/l.
Reference values
Floor | Age | AlAT level, U/l |
Both | < 5 days | < 49 |
5 days - 6 months | < 56 | |
6 - 12 months | < 54 | |
1 - 3 years | < 33 | |
3 years - 6 years | < 29 | |
6 - 12 years old | < 39 | |
Male | 12 - 17 years old | < 27 |
> 17 years old | < 41 | |
Female | 12 - 17 years old | < 24 |
> 17 years old | < 31 |
Explanation of indicators
The level of ALT depends on the age and sex of the patient. Minor deviations from the norm, as a rule, do not require drug therapy, and the recommendations associated with them, such as rational nutrition, avoidance of alcohol, etc. should be discussed with your doctor.
The AST/ALAT ratio (de Ritis ratio) is normally between 0.91 and 1.75.
What do low readings mean
A significant decrease in the level of ALT can be detected in severe liver damage, for example, in the terminal stage of liver cirrhosis, when the number of liver cells is significantly reduced.
What do high rates mean
First of all, with an increase in ALT, liver problems should be suspected: fatty hepatosis, hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer - primary or metastatic.
The degree of increase in ALT is usually associated with the extent or severity of liver damage, but cannot be considered as a determining factor for the prognosis of the disease. The maximum levels of ALT (and AST) - more than a hundred times higher than the norm, are observed in patients with acute viral and drug-induced hepatitis.
A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase can be observed in acute cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and acute destructive pancreatitis. Another reason may be the use of hepatotoxic drugs that damage liver cells.
An increase in the level of ALT is detected with extensive injuries of the skeletal muscles, severe myositis and myodystrophy, frequent intramuscular injections.
A less significant increase in ALT is recorded in acute myocardial infarction and myocarditis.
Additional examination in case of deviation of the indicator from the norm
If a change (often an increase) in the level of ALT is detected, patients are consulted
general practitioners
,
gastroenterologists
, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists.
To clarify the diagnosis, in addition to ALT, other liver enzymes (AST, gamma-HT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), clinical blood counts, and markers of viral hepatitis, primarily hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are usually examined.
An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is performed, according to indications - computed tomography (CT) with contrast.
If damage to the skeletal muscles is suspected, the CPK enzyme is additionally examined and a rheumatologist is consulted.
If a heart muscle disorder is suspected, a cardiologist should be consulted. Usually, the doctor prescribes additional electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, blood test for CF-CPK, troponin I.
The role of new reference values of alanine aminotransferase in the diagnosis of various forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. Journal of Biomedical Technologies № 1. 2015. P. 9-15.