The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test, also known as the Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) test, is a simple blood test used to measure the amount of ALT enzyme present in the blood. ALT is mostly found in the liver but is also found in smaller quantities in organs like the kidneys, heart, and muscles.

The ALT test plays a vital role in monitoring liver health. Normally, only minimal amounts of ALT are present in the blood, but when liver cells are damaged or inflamed, higher levels of the enzyme are released into the bloodstream. While the SGPT test helps assess liver function, it doesn’t reveal the underlying cause of the liver damage.

Increased ALT levels can be attributed to conditions such as liver damage from alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, or liver damage due to certain drugs or herbal remedies. Additional causes include inherited liver conditions or infections like viral hepatitis.

The ALT test is often included in a liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel to evaluate liver function. At Orange Health Labs, we offer this as a stand-alone test. The test results assist doctors in determining whether your liver is functioning as it should and if further diagnostic tests or treatments are necessary.

Residents of Mumbai who are worried about their liver health can easily book an ALT/SGPT test at their convenience and opt to have it conducted at home.

Keep the following considerations in mind before scheduling your ALT/SGPT test at home:

• Prerequisites

There is no need to fast before taking the ALT/SGPT test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The ALT/SGPT test can be performed at any time of day.

• Who Should Get an ALT/SGPT Test

Individuals experiencing jaundice, abdominal pain, a history of liver issues, heavy drinkers, and those on hepatotoxic medications are recommended to undergo this test. It plays a vital role in evaluating liver health.

• Cautions Before Taking an ALT/SGPT Test

Special precautions are not required for the ALT/SGPT test, as it is a simple procedure involving a blood draw. If you have any questions regarding the test preparation, it is advisable to speak with your doctor. They can provide specific recommendations based on your health needs.

The ALT/SGPT test is an important tool for evaluating liver function. ALT, an enzyme mostly found in the liver, can reveal liver damage when its levels are elevated in the bloodstream. Here are some key reasons for undergoing the ALT test:

• Screening : Regular ALT testing is essential for the early detection of liver disorders, particularly for those with risk factors like heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, a family history of liver issues, or drug use involving shared needles. Even for individuals without these risk factors, ALT tests are frequently part of standard health screenings, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), to monitor overall wellness.

• Monitoring : For patients already diagnosed with liver diseases, the ALT test is crucial for tracking the condition’s status. It indicates whether the liver issue is improving, deteriorating, or stable. This information is especially significant for those undergoing treatments or taking medications that may influence liver health. Regular ALT assessments provide critical insights into how well the liver is responding to treatment and whether changes are needed.

• Diagnosing : If you have symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, nausea, fatigue, or loss of appetite, an ALT test may be included in the diagnostic workup. While elevated ALT levels alone do not diagnose a specific liver condition, they are vital for guiding additional tests and evaluations.

In summary, the ALT or SGPT test is fundamental for screening, monitoring, and diagnosing liver health issues, providing important insights that contribute to the effective management and treatment of liver conditions.

Values under 50 U/L are generally seen as normal, although this range may change depending on factors like age and sex and can differ across laboratories.

High ALT levels can be indicative of liver dysfunction, often associated with conditions such as liver inflammation (acute or chronic hepatitis), liver scarring (cirrhosis), or tumours. Elevated ALT is also commonly found in cases of steatohepatitis, acute Budd-Chiari syndrome, ischemic hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, Celiac disease, and obesity. Additionally, increased ALT may arise from medications or toxins and can point to non-liver-related issues, such as muscle damage, inflammation, or heart conditions.

Elevated ALT levels offer important information for the physician to identify the root cause of your symptoms and to guide additional testing or treatment options.