Alanine Transaminase
Understanding Alanine Transaminase
What is Alanine Transaminase?
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test, also known as serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), measures ALT levels in the blood and is normally found inside liver cells. However, when your liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT can be released into your blood. The rise in ALT is the first sign of a problem before other symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, and vomiting appear.
Higher than normal levels of ALT can be an indicator of liver damage and can be because of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and death of liver tissue. The lower levels of ALT indicate a healthy liver but very low levels of ALT may also pose a health risk. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can all help to lower ALT levels.
What is Alanine Transaminase used for?
As a part of the liver function test
To detect hepatitis
To detect damage to the liver due to drugs or substances toxic to the liver
In case of signs or symptoms of liver disease like dark colored urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and abdominal pain
In case of increased risk of developing a liver disease like heavy drinking, exposure to hepatitis virus, or having a family history of liver disease
What does Alanine Transaminase measure?
Alanine Transaminase test measures the levels of alanine transaminase in the blood. Alanine Transaminase is an enzyme which is found in liver and kidney cells. However, this enzyme, in less quantity, can be found in the muscles and the heart. Its function is to convert alanine (an amino acid found in proteins) to pyruvate (intermediate in cellular energy production).
Generally, these levels of alanine transaminase in the blood remain low in healthy individuals. However, if there is any damage to the liver, alanine transaminase is released in the blood. This process helps in early detection of any damage to the liver.
The function of the liver is to process the nutrients of the body. It also produces bile which helps in digesting fats along with the production of other important proteins such as blood clotting factors and albumin. The liver breaks the potentially toxic substances into harmless products which can be used or eliminated by the body.
This test is done with another liver enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as a part of the liver panel. In case of damage to the liver, there is a sudden rise in levels of both enzymes. However, alanine transaminase is more specific for the liver. In some cases, it is possible that only one of them is increased. The AST/ALT ratio can be calculated to differentiate between various causes and severity of the liver injury. This can also help to distinguish whether the injury is from damage to the liver or heart or muscles.
Interpreting Alanine Transaminase results
Interpretations
ALT (SGPT), Serum < 50 U/L
Reference range may vary from lab to lab*
Very high ALT levels (more than 10 times normal) are usually due to acute hepatitis which is generally caused due to a viral infection
High ALT levels (four times normal) may be seen in chronic hepatitis, obstruction of bile ducts, or cirrhosis
In most liver diseases, the ALT level is higher than AST and the AST/ALT ratio will be low (less than 1). The AST/ALT ratio is greater than 1 in alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, heart or muscle injury
ALT is more specific than AST for liver disease
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alanine Transaminase
Frequently Asked Questions about Alanine Transaminase
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. Is there any special preparation required for the test?
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of a liver disorder?
Q. In which cases, increased levels of alanine transaminase can be seen?
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