ALT (SGPT)

Message
CHEMISTRY


Test Code
ALT


Alias/See Also
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE, GPT, SGPT(ALT)


CPT Codes
84460

Includes
ALT


Preferred Specimen
PLASMA


Minimum Volume
1mL


Instructions
DRAW 1 LI HEP TUBE(LIGHT GREEN TUBE), SPIN DOWN


Transport Container
ORIGINAL TUBE


Transport Temperature
REFRIGERATED


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-40°C or colder): 60 days


Methodology
UV without P5P

Setup Schedule
DAILY


Report Available
DAILY


Reference Range
7.0 - 52.0 IUNITS/L


Clinical Significance
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) measurements are particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of certain liver diseases, e.g., viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. ALT activity in tissue is generally much lower than aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and is found in highest concentrations in the liver. Significant elevations of ALT occur only in diseases of the liver. ALT is often measured in conjunction with AST to determine whether the source of the AST is the liver or the heart. ALT is normally not elevated in cases of myocardial infarction, i.e., a normal ALT, in conjunction with an elevated AST, tends to suggest cardiac disease. However, slight elevations of ALT may occur if an infarct destroys a very large volume of heart muscle.


Performing Laboratory
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT VA-CHEMISTRY 802-295-9363 EXT: 5518, 5519



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.