ALT
About Test
The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) assay measures the levels of ALT, an enzyme primarily found in the liver. This test is essential for assessing liver health and diagnosing liver disorders. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation, commonly caused by conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or liver cirrhosis. ALT levels tend to rise before symptoms of liver disease become apparent, making it a sensitive marker for detecting liver abnormalities early. Conversely, low ALT levels are less common but could be associated with severe liver disease or malnutrition. Doctors often include ALT testing as part of routine liver function panels or when evaluating patients with suspected liver disease or liver injury.
Sample Requirements
Gold SST Tube
Stability
Serum: 3 days 4-25°C 7 days 4-8°C
Turnaround Time
4 hours
Assay Interferences
Interferences
Ascorbic acid: 30 mg/dL 40.0 mg/dL, 60 mg/dL 84.8 mg/dL
Bilirubin (conjugated): 60 mg/dL 40.0 mg/dL, 60 mg/dL 97.1 mg/dL
Bilirubin (unconjugated): 55 mg/dL 40.0 mg/dL, 60 mg/dL 81.3 mg/dL
Hemoglobin: 500 mg/dL 40.0 mg/dL, 1000 mg/dL 98.6 mg/dL
Lipemia: 400 mg/dL 40.0 mg/dL, 1000 mg/dL 76.3 mg/dL
Other: Rarely, gammopathy, may cause unreliable results.
Sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine medication may cause false results.
Reference Range (IU/L):
1 month – 1 year: 3.0 – 35.0 / 1 to 3 years: 5.0 – 30.0 / 4 – 9 years: 5.0 – 25.0 / 10 – 18 years female: 5.0 – 20.0 / 10 – 18 years male: 5.0 – 30.0 / Adult male > 18 years: 10.0 - 50.0 / Adult female >18 years: 10.0 – 35.0
Critical Value:
If above 600 IU/L