HomeHealth-and-wellnessDiagnostic TestWhat Is The Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT)

What Is The Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT)

An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test weighs the level of ALT in your blood. ALT is commonly present in your liver, but in the case of damaged or inflamed liver, ALT is found in your bloodstream. As a result, your serum ALT level elevated. Your doctor recommends this ALT blood test to see how your liver is performing or determine the underlying cause of your liver problems. An ALT test usually belongs to the part of the screen tests for liver disease. ALT test is also known as a serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test or an alanine transaminase test.

Alanine Aminotransferase Test

The cost of an ALT blood test is Rs.60- Rs.200, depending on your location and place.

Please check the price of the ALT blood best in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.

Summary of Alanine Aminotransferase Test

Also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alanine transaminase test
Test Type Blood
ALT test includes Monitors how properly your liver is functioning
Preparation Doesn’t need any special preparation
Reporting Within 24 hrs
Test price The cost of an ALT blood test is Rs.60- Rs.200, depending on your location and place.
Also included in Health Insurance Plans
Related tests Kidney Function Test, CBC, SGOT, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin

 

Purpose of an ALT Test

Your doctor will suggest this ALT test to check how your liver is functioning. Some people perform this test as part of a metabolic panel. A doctor suggests this test if you are suffering from various symptoms of liver disease or damage. These symptoms could be,

  • Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
  • Pain in the upper abdomen
  • Pain in the right shoulder
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Severe itching
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Inflammation in the legs or abdomen

These symptoms indicate that you are having liver problems. Healthcare conditions that can cause elevated ALT levels include are,

When a doctor identifies a liver injury early, he goes for the proper line of treatment to prevent further injury.

People at risk of liver damage or disease include

  • Those who have a family history of liver disease
  • People who have diabetes
  • People who are obese
  • People who consume a lot of alcoholic beverages
  • People who take certain medications

Preparation Of An ALT Test

This test doesn’t demand any special preparation. But if you are taking any medications for your underlying diseases, you must inform the doctor about the same. Some medications may hamper the test results of ALT. Your doctor might advise you in reducing the dosage of the medication or may stop it temporarily before the test.

Procedure of an ALT Test

  • First, a healthcare professional will clean the area of your hand before taking the sample.
  • Then, he will tie an elastic band around your upper arm to identify your vein
  • Now, he will insert a needle to collect your blood sample
  • Your blood sample will be collected in a tube
  • Once the process is finished, the healthcare professional will remove the elastic band and the needle.
  • He will place gauze or bandage at the puncture site
  • Your sample will be sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

Interpreting Test Results of Alanine Aminotransferase

Normal Results

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the normal values for ALT in the blood are,

29 to 33 international units per liter (IU/L) (for males)

 19 to 25 IU/L (for females)

ALT levels may vary from lab to lab.

The test results can be affected by several factors including sex and age.

Abnormal Results

ALT blood test high value may indicate liver damage. Elevated levels of ALT could be the result of

  • Hepatitis (chronic inflammation of the liver)
  • Cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver)
  • Death of liver tissue
  • Liver cancer or tumor
  • Inadequate blood flow to the liver
  • Hemochromatosis (a disorder where iron gets built up in the body)
  • Mononucleosis
  • Diabetes

Though lower ALT values indicate a healthy liver, still, you may have some underlying health conditions that need to be discussed with your doctor.

FAQS on Alanine Aminotransferase Test

What are the risks associated with this ALT test?

This blood test is safe and convenient for people. But you may feel some temporary issues like

1. Excessive bleeding where the needle was inserted
2. A bruise under your skin
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
4. Local infection at the puncture site

Is the ALT test done on empty stomach?

No fasting or special preparations are required for this test. But if you are taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications, inform your doctor about the same.

Is 70 a high ALT?

The upper limit of normal for ALT is 55 IU/L. If your ALT level is triple the upper limit of normal, it is considered mildly elevated. In the case of liver disease, your ALT level is 50 times the upper limit of normal.

What are the symptoms of an elevated ALT level?

Symptoms of an elevated ALT level are,

1. Abdominal pain
2. Dark-colored urine
3. Fatigue
4. Itching
5. Jaundice
6. Light-colored stools
7. Loss of appetite
8. Nausea and vomiting

What diseases cause high ALT levels?

Prolonged liver disease
1. Excessive use of alcohol
2. Cirrhosis
3. Blockage in the bile ducts
4. Heart attack or heart failure
5. Kidney damage
6. Muscle injury
7. Damage of RBCs

About The Author

Dr.William Lewis Aliquam sit amet dignissim ligula, eget sodales orci. Etiam vehicula est ligula, laoreet porttitor diam congue eget. Cras vestibulum id nisl eu luctus. In malesuada tortor magna, vel tincidunt augue fringilla eget. Fusce ac lectus nec tellus malesuada pretium.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) Gold Medalist (2009-2015) M.D In General Medicine (2016-2019), CCID (Infectious Diseases)

PG Diploma In Clinical Endocrinology v& Diabetes, Clinical Associate in Non-Invasive Cardiology

Dr.William Lewis Aliquam sit amet dignissim ligula, eget sodales orci. Etiam vehicula est ligula, laoreet porttitor diam congue eget. Cras vestibulum id nisl eu luctus. In malesuada tortor magna, vel tincidunt augue fringilla eget. Fusce ac lectus nec tellus malesuada pretium.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) Gold Medalist (2009-2015) M.D In General Medicine (2016-2019), CCID (Infectious Diseases)

PG Diploma In Clinical Endocrinology v& Diabetes, Clinical Associate in Non-Invasive Cardiology

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