Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), Plasma or Serum

ALT - NOCO

Note: This test is included in CMPGFR - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and HFP - Hepatic Function Panel

1 mL Plasma Green top (Lithium Heparin)

0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes

1 mL serum from SST or Red Top

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Plasma Li Hep	Refrigerated	7 days
Serum SST	Refrigerated	7 days
Red Top – Separated*	Refrigerated	7 days

 
*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.

Gross hemolysis
For NCMC only: Gross lipemia if plasma - Serum specimen needed if Grossly Lipemic

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Same day

Summit View
           6 - 60 U/L
           Critical value (automatic call-back) Labor & Delivery only: >100 U/L

McKee, BFCMC & NCMC
Males
            0-20 years: 5 – 41 IU/L
            20-150 years: 5 – 60 IU/L
Females
            0-20 years: 5 – 35 IU/L
            20-150 years: 5 – 46 IU/L

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.