Main content Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

    Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)



    What To Think About
    • The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value is often used along with the results of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test to obtain the AST to ALT ratio. This value can often help determine whether there is damage to the liver related to alcohol abuse. For more information, see the topic Reference Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST).
    • In children with Reference acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Opens New Window, very high ALT levels may mean that the disease is likely to progress rapidly.
    • Many different conditions can raise ALT blood levels, so other testing is usually needed to interpret an abnormal ALT result.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference November 4, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology


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