Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
Also known as: Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase, SGPT, Transaminases
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
Not provided.
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.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer
Biomarkers
Alanine Aminotransferase
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 1742-6 - ALT SerPl-cCnc
- 1742-6 - ALT SerPl-cCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; excessive lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
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