An Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test, sometimes referred to as a Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) test, is a straightforward blood test that checks the level of ALT enzyme in the bloodstream. ALT is primarily found in the liver, though it also exists in smaller quantities in the kidneys, heart, and muscles.

This test is crucial for assessing liver health. Normally, only a small amount of ALT circulates in the blood, but elevated levels suggest liver damage or inflammation, as the enzyme leaks into the bloodstream. While the SGPT test is excellent for evaluating liver function, it doesn't pinpoint the exact cause of liver issues.

High ALT levels can be linked to several conditions, including liver damage from alcohol use, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, or liver damage caused by specific medications or supplements. Other possible causes include genetic liver diseases or viral infections like hepatitis.

Typically, the ALT test is part of a liver panel or a comprehensive metabolic panel to evaluate liver health. At Orange Health Labs, we offer this test as an individual test. The results assist doctors in determining if the liver is working properly and if further testing or treatment is required.

If you're in Hyderabad and concerned about your liver health, you can book an ALT/SGPT test at your convenience and have it performed at home.

Before booking an ALT/SGPT test at home, consider the following points:

• Prerequisites

Fasting is not necessary prior to undergoing the ALT/SGPT test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

You can schedule the ALT/SGPT test at any time throughout the day.

• Who Should Get an ALT/SGPT Test

This test is advisable for individuals experiencing symptoms like jaundice or abdominal discomfort, those with a history of liver disease, heavy alcohol consumers, and individuals on medications that may harm the liver. It is crucial for assessing liver function.

• Cautions Before Taking an ALT/SGPT Test

No specific precautions are needed for the ALT/SGPT test, as it is a straightforward blood test that requires a blood sample. If you have any concerns regarding preparation, it’s best to consult with a physician. They can offer tailored guidance based on your health situation.

The ALT/SGPT test serves as a valuable tool for assessing liver health. As an enzyme predominantly found in the liver, elevated levels of ALT in the blood can signal liver damage. Here are several reasons to consider an ALT test:

• Screening : Regular ALT testing is vital for the early identification of liver issues, especially if you have risk factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, a family history of liver disease, or intravenous drug use. Even without these risk factors, ALT tests are commonly included in routine health assessments, like a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), to evaluate overall health.

• Monitoring : For individuals with existing liver conditions, the ALT test is instrumental in tracking the disease's progression. It helps determine whether the liver condition is improving, deteriorating, or remaining stable. This monitoring is crucial for those receiving treatment or medications that could impact liver function. Frequent ALT testing provides essential information regarding the liver's response to therapy and whether treatment adjustments are necessary.

• Diagnosing : If you face symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, or itchy skin, an ALT test may be part of the diagnostic evaluation. While elevated ALT levels alone do not confirm a specific liver disease, they are critical for directing further testing and assessments.

In conclusion, the ALT or SGPT test is pivotal in screening, monitoring, and diagnosing liver health issues, offering important insights that assist in the effective management and treatment of liver conditions.

A level lower than 50 U/L is typically considered normal; however, this range can vary based on age, and sex, and may differ between laboratories.

High ALT levels may indicate liver dysfunction related to conditions like liver inflammation (either acute or chronic hepatitis), liver scarring (cirrhosis), or liver tumours. High ALT is frequently seen in conditions such as steatohepatitis, acute Budd-Chiari syndrome, ischemic hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, Celiac disease, and obesity. Moreover, increased ALT levels can also be linked to medications or toxins and may suggest issues outside the liver, including muscle injury, inflammation, or heart disease.

Increased ALT levels give the doctor crucial insights to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to direct further testing or treatment.