Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Test Code

ALT

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB132

ALT
GPT
SGPT
Transaminase, SGPT

CPT Codes
84460

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.10 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen (≤ - 40°C): 60 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, hemolyzed.

Methodology

NADH (without P-5'-P)

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

Hemolysis increase results by up to 12%. Bilirubin may decrease results by 12% and Intralipid by 3%.

Reference Range

0-4 years 5-55 U/L	4-7 years 10-25 U/L	7-12 years 10-35 U/L
12-16 years F: 10-30 U/L M: 10-45 U/L	16-18 years F: 5-35 U/L M: 10-40 U/L	18-150 years 0-55 U/L

Clinical Significance

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It is found in many tissues, but the highest level is found in liver and kidney tissues. Tissue destruction leads to the release of the intracellular enzyme into the circulating blood. Very high levels of ALT may be found in a variety of diseases which involve the liver, such as hepatitis, mononucleosis, and cirrhosis. ALT is regarded as a relatively specific indicator of liver disease.

Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 3, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.