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Alanine Aminotransferase
Test CodeALT
Alias/See Also
SGPT
CPT Codes
84460
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma collected in a PST (LiHeparin tube)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma- EDTA (Lavender)
Serum- SST, Red Top or Tiger Top
Serum- SST, Red Top or Tiger Top
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 3 days at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: Plasma 7 days at 2-8°C
Frozen: >7 days at -20 °C. Freeze only once.
Refrigerated: Plasma 7 days at 2-8°C
Frozen: >7 days at -20 °C. Freeze only once.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Samples not labeled with complete first and last name and date of birth.
Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric are unacceptable
Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric are unacceptable
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Sun - Sat
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
5– 41 U/L
Critical Values
> 1000 U/L
Critical Values
> 1000 U/L
Clinical Significance
The enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been widely reported as present in a variety of tissues. The major source of ALT is the liver, which has led to the measurement of ALT activity for the 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. The apparent reduction in aminotransferase activity may be related to decreased pyridoxal phosphate, the prosthetic group for aminotransferases, resulting in an 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. The apparent reduction in aminotransferase activity may be related to decreased pyridoxal phosphate, the prosthetic group for aminotransferases, resulting in an increase in the ratio of apoenzyme to holoenzyme.
Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Last Updated: April 22, 2020
