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ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, which is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. The ALT blood test is a common test used to assess liver function and detect liver injury or disease.
◉ What is ALT Blood Test?
The ALT blood test, also known as Alanine Aminotransferase test, is a common blood test used to assess liver function and detect liver injury or disease.
ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. When the latter is damaged or inflamed, alanine aminotransferase is released into the bloodstream, leading to high ALT levels in the blood.
This test is often included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which are series of blood tests to assess metabolic and liver function, offering valuable insights into an individual's overall health.
◉ Why it's done?
When the liver is compromised or not functioning properly, it can have far-reaching effects on the entire body, resulting in a wide array of symptoms and health issues. Therefore, the evaluation of liver function, particularly through the ALT blood test, is a common and essential medical practice.
This test, when used in conjunction with other tests, serves various important roles:
- Detect liver damage or injury.
- Diagnosing underlying cause of liver problems.
- Monitoring liver disease progression or regression.
- Can indicate how well a patient is responding to treatment for liver diseases.
- Routine Health Check-ups.
◉ Will I need to do anything to prepare for ALT test?
To prepare for an ALT blood test, you generally do not need any specific preparation. However, it's essential to follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider or the lab.
They may recommend fasting for a certain period of time, avoiding any medications or substances that can affect liver function or interfere with the test results, or provide other specific instructions for accurate results.
It's important to mention if you engage in strenuous exercise, as it can affect ALT levels. The test typically takes less than five minutes to complete.
◉ Normal and abnormal levels of ALT blood test
The normal range for alanine aminotransferase levels can vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory and measurement units used. In general, the normal range for ALT is:
- For men: 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L).
- For women: 7 to 35 U/L
◉ ALT Blood Test High
◉ Causes of high ALT blood test
High levels of ALT in your blood, ( In ♂ more than 40 u/l and in ♀ more than 35 u/l) can be due to damage or injury to the cells in your liver as :
- Alcohol-induced liver injury.
- Fatty liver disease (too much fat in your liver).
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation).
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
- Taking medications that are toxic to your liver.
- Liver tumor or liver cancer.
- Liver ischemia (not enough blood flow to your liver, which leads to death of liver tissue).
- Hemochromatosis (having too much iron in your body).
- Certain genetic conditions can affect your liver.
Although it's less common, elevated ALT levels can also indicate injury to cells in other parts of your body, since ALT isn't solely found in your liver.
◉ Symptoms of high ALT blood test
The symptoms associated with high ALT levels can vary widely depending on the cause of the elevation and its severity. These symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort and pain.
- Dark urine and pale stools.
- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
- Edema.
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
- Unexplained weight loss.
◉ ALT Blood Test Low
Having a lower than normal ALT ( In ♂ below 10 u/l, in ♀ below 7 u/l) result is uncommon and usually isn't a cause for concern. However, a lower ALT level can be a cause of vitamin B6 deficiency or chronic kidney disease.
◉ What other tests could be done with this test?
- AST (Aspartate aminotransferase): Like ALT, AST is also an enzyme that is present in liver cells. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage or other conditions affecting the liver.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme found in the liver as well as other organs like the bones and intestines. Increased ALP levels can indicate liver disease or blockage of the bile ducts.
- Total Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver disease or malfunction.
- Serum Albumin: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and plays a role in maintaining the fluid balance in the body. Abnormal levels of albumin can indicate liver disease.
- Prothrombin time (PT): This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot. Liver dysfunction can lead to abnormalities in the blood clotting process.
- GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase): Elevated levels of GGT in the blood can indicate liver disease or excessive alcohol consumption.
These tests are often performed together as a panel to provide a comprehensive evaluation of liver function. They help in diagnosing liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, as well as monitoring the response to treatment and assessing overall liver health.
◉ Conclusion
In conclusion, the ALT blood test is a valuable tool for assessing liver function and detecting liver injury or disease. Elevated ALT levels can signal liver damage, and depending on the cause and severity, they may be associated with various symptoms.
If you have concerns about your ALT levels, it's crucial to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and guidance.