Also Known As
ALT, Alanine Transaminase, Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase, GPT, SGPT
The Purpose of an ALT Blood Test
This alanine aminotransferase test is used to screen for liver damage as well as help diagnose liver disease. This test is often ordered together with the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test as part of a liver panel to screen for liver disease.
What Does the ALT Test Measure?
Alanine aminotransferase is a liver enzyme. High levels of this enzyme in your blood may indicate that there’s a problem with your liver.
Who Should Take an ALT Lab Test?
The ALT blood test may be included in a routine liver health check, as part of a basic metabolic panel. It may also be ordered by a physician if you have a liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or symptoms associated with one. These include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Jaundice
- Dark urine or light-colored stool
- Itching
ALT Blood Work Preparation
No special preparation is required for the blood draw.
Alanine Aminotransferase Test Results
Normal ALT levels range from 7 to 55 units per liter. Results above that range may indicate a liver problem such as cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver disease, or infection, among other issues.
A physician typically doesn’t make a diagnosis based only on an ALT lab test, but looks at results from multiple liver function tests. In addition to the AST test, these may include:
Want to know more about what your results mean for your health? Turn to Personalabs for answers. We offer telehealth visits with our board-certified doctors from the convenience of your home or office.
Where Can I Get an ALT Test Near Me?
Take control of your health by shopping Personalabs’ comprehensive collection of tests. It’s never been easier to get a blood test.
Step 1: Purchase one of our tests online and download the lab order. (A doctor’s pre-approval isn’t necessary, depending on the state you live in.)
Step 2: Visit our lab locator and make an appointment for your ALT blood work. We partner with two leading clinical laboratories, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, giving you access to more than 4,000 lab locations across America.
Step 3: Bring the test order to the lab for your appointment.
Step 4: You should receive test results in your confidential and secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days. (Turnaround times vary by test location, so contact us if you need results by a certain time and we will reach out to the lab for you.)
Don’t wait to get the information you need to support your health and well-being. Shop our selection of tests today.
