Alanine Aminotransferase ALT or SGPT is a blood test for checking liver damage. ALT test measures the amount of ALT, and SGPT in the blood. Your life is a very important thing for your good health. It is a protein made by the liver, when liver cells are damaged, the liver releases ALT in the bloodstream and the level of ALT in the blood is elevated. High levels of this enzyme sign the liver is injured or irritated.
Does this test have another name?
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT)
How the test performed
A blood sample needed
Why the test performed
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is a blood test to check your liver health. The test may also help diagnose the problems. Normally ALT level in the blood is low, if your liver is irritated or damaged it will release more ALT in your blood, and then the ALT level will rise.
Why Doctor order this test
Doctors recommend ALT if you have symptoms of liver disease or damage
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Dark color urine
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Light color poop
- Fatigue
- Hepatitis
- Alcoholic
- Family history of liver disease
What are the risks
ALT blood test is safe. Risks are usually minor and can include:
Bleeding
Bruising
Infection
Slight pain when the needle is inserted
Fainting or feeling dizzy
What does the result mean
Normal ALT tests can range from, 10 – 45 units per litter (U/L)
Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples
High ALT levels caused by,
Alcohol abuse
Cirrhosis (long-term damage and scarring of the liver)
Mononucleosis
Drugs such as statins, aspirin, and some sleep aids
Moderately high ALT levels may be because of,
Hepatitis
Chronic liver disease
Alcohol abuse
Cirrhosis
Blockage of the bile ducts
Heart attack or heart failure
Kidney damage
Muscle injury
Damage to red blood cells
Heat stroke
Too much vitamin A
Alt levels can be caused by very high.
Acute viral hepatitis
An overdose of drugs
Liver cancer
Sepsis
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