HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Results
An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the amount of this Reference enzyme Opens New Window in the blood. Results are usually available within 12 hours.
Normal
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
|
Males: |
10–40 Reference units per liter (U/L) Opens New Window or 0.17–0.68 Reference microkats per liter (mckat/L) Opens New Window |
|
Females: |
7–35 U/L or 0.12–0.60 mckat/L |
High values
High levels of ALT may be caused by:
- Liver damage from conditions such as Reference hepatitis Opens New Window or Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window.
- Reference Lead poisoning Opens New Window.
- Exposure to carbon tetrachloride.
- Decay of a large tumor (necrosis).
- Many medicines, such as Reference statins Opens New Window, Reference antibiotics Opens New Window, Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window, aspirin, Reference narcotics Opens New Window, and Reference barbiturates Opens New Window.
- Reference Mononucleosis Opens New Window.
- Growth spurts, especially in young children. Rapid growth can cause mildly elevated levels of ALT.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
