Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (REFL)

Test Code

15219

Includes

This is a client specific reflex test. Reflex criteria has been pre-defined by the ordering physician. Additional testing will be performed at an additional charge.

Preferred Specimen

Red Top

Patient Preparation

The assay manufacturer, Beckman Coulter, warns that patients treated with sulfasalazine may generate false low results for ALT.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Transport Container

Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Reference Range

	Male (U/L)	Female (U/L)
<1 Month	3-25	3-25
1-11 Months	4-35	3-30
1-3 Years	5-30	5-30
4-12 Years	8-30	8-24
13-15 Years	7-32	6-19
16-19 Years	8-46	5-32
≥20 Years	9-46	6-29

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.

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.