What is alanine aminotransferase test

An alanine aminotransferase ALT test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT is found mainly in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys , heart, muscles, and pancreas. ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood.

Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage. The ALT test is often done along with other tests that check for liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase AST , alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase LDH , and bilirubin. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean.

To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form. The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.

An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch. Results are usually available within 12 hours. The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors.

This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch. There is very little chance of a problem from having blood sample taken from a vein. Results are usually available within 12 hours.

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

You may not be able to have the test, or the results may not be helpful, if:. Current as of: September 23, Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Why It Is Done The alanine aminotransferase ALT test is done to: Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses. Help check for liver damage. Find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.

Keep track of the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines and other medicines that can damage the liver. Tell your doctor: All of the medicines and natural health products you are taking. Checking ALT levels along with levels of other liver enzymes can provide your doctor with more specific information about a liver problem. An ALT test may be part of a routine checkup or requested if someone has risk factors for liver disease, including:.

Some medications may affect the levels of ALT in your blood. Your doctor might tell you to avoid taking certain medications for a period of time before the test. An ALT is a simple blood test with few risks. Bruising can sometimes occur in the area where the needle was inserted. The risk of bruising can be minimized by applying pressure to the injection site for several minutes after the needle is removed.

This value can vary depending on the lab. This range can be affected by certain factors, including sex and age. Higher-than-normal levels of ALT can indicate liver damage. Increased levels of ALT may be a result of:. Most lower ALT results indicate a healthy liver. However, studies have shown that lower-than-normal results have been related to increased long-term mortality. If your test results indicate liver damage or disease, you may need more testing to determine the underlying cause of the problem and the best way to treat it.

Liver function tests help screen for problems such as infections, scarring, and disorders. They're also used if you start experiencing symptoms of a…. Hepatic failure, also known as liver failure, can be a silent killer. Cirrhosis is the severe scarring and poor function of the liver caused by long-term exposure to toxins such as alcohol or viral infections. Damage to the liver from excessive drinking can lead to ARLD.

Years of alcohol abuse cause the liver to become inflamed and swollen.