Liver Transferase Test - ALT or SGPT
This test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a liver enzyme, in your blood.
This test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a liver enzyme, in your blood. It is usually ordered with other liver function tests in a single test panel. The test panel includes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin and albumin (a protein found in the blood).
- ALT and AST are two liver enzymes (types of proteins) found in the blood.
- ALT is the most sensitive blood test that helps determine if liver cells have been damaged.
- An AST/ALT ratio is sometimes used to distinguish between different causes of liver damage. It can also help to distinguish between liver injury, heart damage and damage to other muscle(s).
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- Some medications can interfere with the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop taking any medications before the test.
- Do not stop taking any medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Liver Transferase Test – ALT or SGPTLaboratory WorkALTTransferaseLiver Enzyme TestLiver Function TestsLiverLiver DamageLiver DiseaseLiver ProblemsSGPTAlanine Aminotransferase
This test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a liver enzyme, in your blood. It is usually ordered with other liver function tests in a single test panel. The test panel includes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin and albumin (a protein found in the blood).
- ALT and AST are two liver enzymes (types of proteins) found in the blood.
- ALT is the most sensitive blood test that helps determine if liver cells have been damaged.
- An AST/ALT ratio is sometimes used to distinguish between different causes of liver damage. It can also help to distinguish between liver injury, heart damage and damage to other muscle(s).
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- Some medications can interfere with the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop taking any medications before the test.
- Do not stop taking any medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
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