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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%.