Alanine Aminotransferase, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: ALT
Use
The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test is primarily used to diagnose liver disease and to monitor liver health. Elevated levels of ALT in the bloodstream can indicate liver damage or liver disease, since ALT is an enzyme found mostly in the liver. It is vital for assessing liver health especially in conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver injury due to toxins, and other liver-related illnesses. It may also be part of routine liver function testing to monitor those patients taking medications that can potentially impact the liver, or patients with conditions known to affect liver health.
Special Instructions
Specimen should be collected in a plasma separator tube or serum separator tube. Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection and transferred to an ARUP standard transport tube. Refrigerated transportation is required. Ensure no sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate is used as an anticoagulant, and prevent hemolysis and presence of cellular material in the specimen, as these are causes for rejection.
Limitations
The ALT test is subject to interindividual variability and may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and physical activity. Other conditions such as muscle injury or hemolysis may also cause mild increases in ALT levels that are not related to liver function. Therefore, results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic tests. Additionally, different laboratories may use different reference intervals, instrumentation, or methodologies that affect ALT level readings, so comparison of results from different labs requires caution.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1742-6
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect in plasma separator tube. Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection, then transfer to an ARUP transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate used as an anticoagulant, hemolyzed specimens, and specimens containing cellular material.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 2 weeks |