The alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme ALT in the blood.
ALT is an enzyme found at a high level in the liver. An enzyme is a protein that causes a specific chemical change in the body. Injury to the liver results in the release of ALT into the blood. This test is mainly done along with other tests (such as AST, ALP, and bilirubin) to diagnose and monitor liver disease.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. At SOUTH PUNJAB LAB this test is performed on ROCHE ROUTINE CHEMISTRY.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Normal Results
The normal range is 4 to 36 U/L.Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An increased ALT level is often a sign of liver disease. Liver disease is even more likely when the levels of substances checked by other liver blood tests have also increased.
An increased ALT level may be due to any of the following:
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Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
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Death of liver tissue
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Swollen and inflamed liver (hepatitis)
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Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
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Too much fat in the liver (fatty liver)
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Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
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Liver tumor or cancer
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Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver
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Mononucleosis (“mono”)
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Swollen and inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)