Test Code ALT Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB132
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Plasma Lithium Heparin
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3.0 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate
cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of
collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.10 mL
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen (≤ - 40°C ): 60 days
Clinical Significance
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It is found in many tissues, but the highest level is found in liver and kidney tissues. Tissue destruction leads to the release of the intracellular enzyme into the circulating blood. Very high levels of ALT may be found in a variety of diseases which involve the liver, such as hepatitis, mononucleosis, and cirrhosis. ALT is regarded as a relatively specific indicator of liver disease.
Reference Range
Males
0 - 4 years: 5 - 55 U/L
4 - 7 years: 10 - 25 U/L
7 - 12 years: 10 - 35 U/L
12 - 16 years: 10 - 45 U/L
16 - 18 years: 10 - 40 U/L
18 - 150 years: 0 - 55 U/L
Females
0 - 4 years: 5 - 55 U/L
4 - 7 years: 10 - 25 U/L
7 - 12 years: 10 - 35 U/L
12 - 16 years: 10 - 30 U/L
16 - 18 years: 5 - 35 U/L
18 - 150 years: 0 - 55 U/L
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, hemolyzed.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Daily
Report Available
Same day
Method Name
NADH (without P-5’-P).
CPT Codes
84460
LOINC
1744-2
Aliases
ALT
GPT
SGPT
Transaminase, SGPT
Limitations
Hemolysis increase results by up to 12%. Bilirubin may decrease results by 12% and Intralipid by 3%.