Specimen: Blood
Results: 1-2 Business Days
Description:
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) is an enzyme found in particularly large amounts in the liver and plays an important role in metabolism. ALT is normally found inside liver cells but, when the liver is damaged or inflamed, can be released into your bloodstream. Measuring ALT levels is particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of certain liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. 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.
Methodology:
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Limitations:
Trauma to striated muscle, tissue, rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis may produce increased results. Hemolyzed samples may yield elevated results. Some illegal drugs (cocaine, anabolic steroids, ecstasy) may also produce increased results.
Alternative Name(s):
SGPT, ALT
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.