Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)
CPT Code(s):
84460
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The ALT (alanine aminotransferase) test, also known as SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and liver function evaluation. This test measures the level of ALT enzyme in a patient's blood, providing valuable information about liver health and function.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of ALT include:
1. Assessment of Liver Function: ALT is predominantly found in liver cells, and its level in the blood serves as an important indicator of liver function. Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury. ALT aids in the evaluation and monitoring of liver health, enabling early detection, diagnosis, and management of liver disorders.
2. Differentiating Liver Disease: ALT helps differentiate between different types of liver diseases. For example, significantly elevated ALT levels are often observed in acute viral hepatitis, while moderately increased levels may be associated with chronic hepatitis. By measuring ALT levels, healthcare providers can assess the severity and progression of liver disease and guide appropriate treatment interventions.
3. Monitoring Medication and Treatment Effects: ALT is useful in monitoring the effects of medications, especially those that may cause liver toxicity. Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics, statins, or antiretroviral medications, can potentially lead to liver damage. Regular monitoring of ALT levels helps healthcare providers evaluate the impact of these medications on liver function and make adjustments if necessary.
4. Hepatotoxicity Screening: ALT is utilized in the screening and monitoring of hepatotoxicity, which refers to liver damage caused by exposure to toxic substances. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver injury resulting from alcohol abuse, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, or the use of hepatotoxic medications. Monitoring ALT levels aids in early detection, prompt intervention, and prevention of further liver damage.
5. Liver Transplant Evaluation: ALT levels play a role in assessing liver function and suitability for liver transplantation. Elevated ALT levels in individuals with end-stage liver disease may indicate worsening liver function and the need for transplantation. Post-transplant, monitoring ALT levels helps assess graft function and detect potential complications or rejection.
In summary, the ALT (SGPT) test has specific clinical significance and diagnostic uses in evaluating liver function, differentiating liver diseases, monitoring medication effects, screening hepatotoxicity, and assessing liver transplant suitability and post-transplant outcomes. By measuring ALT levels, healthcare providers gain valuable insights into liver health, enabling the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various liver disorders and conditions.