ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase, SGPT)
ALT is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells (hepatocytes), and in smaller amounts in muscles and other tissues.
When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the blood — making elevated ALT one of the most sensitive markers of liver damage.
The ALT test is used for:
- diagnosing liver diseases (hepatitis, fatty liver disease, toxic liver damage, etc.)
- assessing the degree of liver inflammation/damage
- monitoring treatment and disease dynamics
- preventive monitoring when taking liver-affecting medications
Why ALT may be elevated:
- viral hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.)
- toxic liver damage (alcohol, drugs)
- fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
- liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- bile stasis (cholestasis)
- cirrhosis
- less commonly — intense physical exertion, muscle damage
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Submit fasting (8-12 hours without food)
- Water intake is allowed
- Avoid alcohol and fatty food for 24 hours
- Avoid smoking and physical/emotional exertion 30 minutes before
Medications: if taking medications (especially antibiotics, hormones, anticonvulsants, painkillers) — inform staff. Do not discontinue medications yourself (only as prescribed by a doctor).
Prescribed for:
- heaviness/pain in the right upper quadrant
- bitter taste in mouth, nausea
- yellowing of skin/sclera
- dark urine, light-colored stool
- weakness, decreased appetite
- suspected viral hepatitis
- after infections and intoxications
- with obesity, diabetes mellitus (liver monitoring)
- when taking liver-affecting medications (antibiotics, hormones, anticonvulsants, etc.)
Recommended for testing:
- with any symptoms of liver dysfunction
- for people with overweight, diabetes, metabolic syndrome
- with long-term use of liver-affecting medications
- after alcohol consumption/poisoning (as prescribed by a doctor)
- with chronic liver diseases
Important: the test is evaluated together with AST, bilirubin, GGT, ALP, and clinical symptoms.
Normal ALT — indicates absence of significant liver cell damage
Elevated ALT — sign of liver cell damage (or less commonly, muscle)
Important: with elevated ALT, consultation with a general practitioner or gastroenterologist/hepatologist is recommended. Self-treatment is not recommended!
Result on the day of the request
