Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - plasma or serum
Last updated: Thursday, 18, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in lithium heparin or plain tube. |
| Method | Spectrophotometry. |
| Reference Interval | Adult: <35 U/L |
| Application | Detection and monitoring of liver cell damage. |
| Interpretation | Increased ALT levels are associated with hepatocellular damage. ALT is more specific for hepatocellular damage than is AST or LD and remains elevated for longer, due to its longer half-life. The AST/ALT ratio is typically >1 in alcoholic liver disease and <1 in non-alcoholic liver disease. ALT may be slightly elevated in skeletal muscle disease but the degree of elevation is much less than for AST and CK. |
| Reference | Rochling FA. Clin Cornerstone 2001; 3(6): 1-12. |