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Alanine Aminotransferase
MessagePerformed in Chemisty
Test Code
ALT
Alias/See Also
SGPT
Preferred Specimen
Green Top LiHep, Plasma
WyMCC - 3 ml SST
WyMCC - 3 ml SST
Other Acceptable Specimens
SST, Red Top, Serum tubes
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Outdate/expired tube
Hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic
Contaminated
Hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic
Contaminated
Setup Schedule
Daily, Sunday through Saturday
Report Available
Less than 4 hours
Reference Range
Refer to Chemistry Reference Ranges under the JDOS Resources Link
Clinical Significance
The enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been widely reported as present in a variety of tissues. Major source of ALT is liver, which has led to the measurement of ALT activity for diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Elevated serum ALT is found in hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of the liver, and chronic alcohol abuse. ALT is only slightly elevated in patients who have an uncomplicated myocardial infarction.
Although both serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT become elevated whenever disease processes affect liver cell integrity, ALT is the more liver-specific enzyme. Moreover, elevations of ALT activity persist longer than elevations of AST activity.
In patients with vitamin B6 deficiency, serum aminotransferase activity may be decreased. Apparent reduction in aminotransferase activity may be related to decreased pyridoxal phosphate, prosthetic group for aminotransferases, resulting in increase in the ratio of apoenzyme to holoenzyme.
Although both serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT become elevated whenever disease processes affect liver cell integrity, ALT is the more liver-specific enzyme. Moreover, elevations of ALT activity persist longer than elevations of AST activity.
In patients with vitamin B6 deficiency, serum aminotransferase activity may be decreased. Apparent reduction in aminotransferase activity may be related to decreased pyridoxal phosphate, prosthetic group for aminotransferases, resulting in increase in the ratio of apoenzyme to holoenzyme.
