Description

Objective:

Determine the significance and clinical use of Alanine Aminotransferase in clinical practice

Lab Test Name:

Alanine Aminotransferase – ALT

Description:

Measures amount of ALT, an enzyme produced by the liver, present in circulation

Found in:

Most abundantly in liver

Heart

Skeletal muscle

kidney

Increases in lab values indicate liver disease or liver damage

Indications:

Evaluation of ALT:

• Progression of liver disease
• Monitoring response to treatment

Normal Therapeutic Values:

Normal – 40-130 U/L

Collection:

•  Plasma separator tube

What would cause increased levels?

INCREASED: 

• Cirrhosis
• Muscle damage
• Preeclampsia
• Biliary tract obstruction
• Burns
• Pancreatitis
• Long-term alcohol abuse
• Liver Cancer
• Muscular dystrophy
• MI
• Myositis
• Shock
• Infection-mononucleosis

What would cause decreased levels?

DECREASED:

• Pyridoxal phosphate deficiency
  • A rare genetic metabolic disorder