About Alanine aminotransferase:
- Also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), it is an enzyme found predominantly inside liver cells.
- It is also found in other tissues such as the kidneys, heart, and muscle cells.
- It plays a crucial role in metabolism, turning food into energy.
- ALT is one component of the liver function test, which includes other liver enzymes and measures of liver function.
- The ALT test is often part of an initial screening for liver disease.
- What is an ALT test?
- An ALT test is also known as a serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test or an alanine transaminase test.
- When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. This causes serum ALT levels to rise.
- An increase in ALT is often the first sign of a liver problem, and ALT is often elevated before other symptoms appear.
- ALT testing is performed on a blood sample.
