ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT/ SGPT), SERUM

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), Serum

What it is:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. Measuring ALT levels in the blood helps assess liver health and detect injury or disease.

Uses

• Diagnose and monitor liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease)

• Detect liver injury from medications, toxins, or alcohol

• Monitor patients receiving hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., chemotherapy, TB drugs)

• Evaluate unexplained symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain

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Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)

• Dark urine, pale stools

• Fatigue, weakness, or loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Nausea and vomiting

• History of alcohol or drug use that may harm the liver

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Abnormal Results

• High ALT levels:

  • Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.)

  • Alcoholic liver disease

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) / steatohepatitis (NASH)

  • Cirrhosis

  • Liver tumors or metastasis

  • Drug-induced liver injury

  • Gallbladder or bile duct obstruction

• Low/normal ALT levels:

  • Normal liver function

  • Low values generally not clinically significant

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Risks

• Minimal, limited to risks of a blood draw (mild pain, bruising, dizziness).