Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme that is found mainly in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas. It is produced by hepatocytes (the major type of liver cells). Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. But ALT is released into the bloodstream when the liver is damaged or diseased, causing levels to go up. The level of ALT found in the blood may equate to the degree of cell damage but this is not always the case, particularly with hepatitis C. An accurate estimate of liver damage can only be made by liver biopsy.
Typically ALT levels are measured to check for liver damage or disease; to find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease; to keep track of the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines and other medicines that can damage the liver.
Sample requirements:
Material: blood
Turnaround time: 1 day
Normal reference range:
Range (U/L)
Adult 0 to 55
Tube color code:
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