| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), Plasma or Serum
Test CodeALT - NOCO
CPT Codes
84460
Includes
Note: This test is included in CMPGFR - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and HFP - Hepatic Function Panel
Preferred Specimen
1 mL Plasma Green top (Lithium Heparin)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL serum from SST or Red Top
Specimen Stability
| 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.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis
For NCMC only: Gross lipemia if plasma - Serum specimen needed if Grossly Lipemic
For NCMC only: Gross lipemia if plasma - Serum specimen needed if Grossly Lipemic
Methodology
P5P Bichromatic Rate
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
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
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
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.
Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
Mckee Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
Summit View Laboratory
