Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC75280Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 001545CPT Code 84460

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)

Also known as: Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase, SGPT, Transaminases

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

A liver function test, ALT is more sensitive for the detection of hepatocyte injury than for biliary obstruction. ALT is more specific for liver injury than AST (SGOT). Useful for hepatic cirrhosis, other liver disease. Increased in Reye syndrome, with AST.1 Test for hepatitis. Acute hepatitis A or B can be confirmed serologically, as can hepatitis C. Negative serological findings in the presence of hepatitis-like chemistry abnormalities may also suggest acute drug-induced hepatitis, an impression supported by resolution after removal of the offending agent.2 The combination of increased AST and ALT with negative hepatitis markers occurs in a number of other entities including infectious mononucleosis. Sensitive to heart failure.

Special Instructions

Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes after collection. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma for this test, as these are not suitable for the assay. Maintain the specimen at room temperature for optimal stability.

Limitations

Grossly hemolyzed samples can result in misleadingly high ALT values because RBCs have six times the ALT activity of serum. Thus, hemolysis must be avoided. Additionally, elevations in ALT might be reported in trauma or diseases affecting striated muscles, though CK levels can differentiate these conditions. ALT is less sensitive than AST in detecting alcoholic liver disease and is known to increase with obesity.

Test Details