Health Encyclopedia

ALT

Definition

An ALT test measures the amount of the enzyme ALT in serum (the liquid part of the blood).

Alternative Names

SGPT; Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; Alanine transaminase

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore blood flow. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
school age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will 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.

Why the test is performed

This test is used to determine if a patient has liver damage. ALT is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of the amino acid alanine. ALT works in a number of tissues, but its highest concentrations is in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the enzyme into the blood.

Normal Values

Normal range can vary according to a number of factors, including age and gender. To understand your results, consult your doctor or lab.

What abnormal results mean

Greater-than-normal ALT levels may indicate:

Celiac disease
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune)
Hereditary hemochromatosis
Liver ischemia (blood flow deficiency to the liver)
Liver tumor
Use of drugs that are poisonous to the liver

What the risks are

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (bleeding under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Review Date:1/22/2007
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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