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Test Code ALT Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (SGPT), Serum LAB132

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint The Finley Hospital

Test Method

Enzymatic Method; Roche cobas Pro

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours.

STAT orders: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Specimen Requirement

  1. Lithium heparin plasma (green) is the specimen of choice. 500μL.
  2. Serum (red/gold) and EDTA plasma (purple) are also acceptable sample types. 
  3. It is recommended that the serum or plasma be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from time of collection.
  4. ALT specimens are stable for 3 days at 15-25°C and 7 days at 2-8°C.

Useful For

The major source of ALT is the liver, which has led to the measurement of ALT activity for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Elevated serum ALT is found in hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of the liver, and chronic alcohol abuse. ALT is only slightly elevated in patients who have an uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

Although both serum AST and ALT become elevated whenever disease processes affect liver cell integrity, ALT is the more liver‑specific enzyme. Moreover, elevations of ALT activity persist longer than elevations of AST activity. 

Reference Values

Males 10-50 U/L

Females 10-35 U/L.

CPT Code Information

84460 Chemistry: Transferase alanine amino (ALT) (SGPT)

LOINC Code Information

1742-6 Alanine Aminotransferase [Enzymatic Activity/Volume] In
Serum or Plasma