Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

General Information

The major source of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is the liver with elevated ALT found in patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of the liver, or chronic alcohol abuse. ALT is more liver specific than AST and ALT elevations persist for longer periods of time. ALT is included as the standard hepatocellular enzyme measured in the laboratory set of tests for liver function (LIV) and profile (PRO) instead of AST.

ALT is present to a lesser extent in a variety of other tissues that includes skeletal muscle, kidney and heart. ALT is only slightly elevated in patients who have an uncomplicated myocardial infarction. In patients with vitamin B₆ activity ALT may be decreased.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required.

Reference Range

Adult male and female reference range: 0-55 IU/L (Abbott Alinity)