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Alanine Aminotransferase Testing (ALT)

The Alanine Aminotransferase test is also known as a Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test.

All you need to know about testing Alanine Aminotransferase levels with a laboratory test

  • What is the Alanine Aminotransferase test for?
  • How to test Alanine Aminotransferase?
  • What if Alanine Aminotransferase results are high?
  • What if Alanine Aminotransferase results are low?
  • Why take the Vitall Liver Function test?
  • Who should take the Liver Function Blood test?
  • Can the ALT test diagnose other conditions?
  • How accurate is the ALT test?
  • When might I need an ALT test?
  • What should I do if the results are negative?
  • What should I do if the results are positive?
  • How do I interpret the results of a ALT test?
  • How do I use the ALT test kit?
  • How does the ALT test work?
  • What symptoms can the ALT test help diagnose?
  • What is the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test for?

Alanine Aminotransferase Testing UK Statistics 2026

Icon For Alanine Aminotransferase
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20.9% of people tested have Alanine Aminotransferase levels which are too high.

And 0.6% have levels that are too low.

37.3

Normal
0 - 34

High
34 +

The average Alanine Aminotransferase result is 37.3 U/L
Note what is normal for you may differ for your age and sex.

Are you in the 78.5% with normal results?
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What Is The Alanine Aminotransferase Test For?

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly found in your liver. ALT is used by your body to break down food into energy, with levels in the blood normally low.

Following liver damage, the levels of ALT in your blood will rise making it a useful means to indicate liver problems.

Fluctuation of ALT levels is normal over the course of the day, and can also increase in response to strenuous physical exercise.

How To Test Alanine Aminotransferase

By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Alanine Aminotransferase for total reassurance.

Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.

The Vitall Liver Function nurse or clinic test kit includes a Alanine Aminotransferase test and is available for just £59.00.

Tests which include a Alanine Aminotransferase test:

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Liver Function Test Kit

Liver Function test kit
Liver Function Home Test Kit UK

Liver Function Test Kit

Assess liver damage and your risk from liver disease

£59.00

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What if Alanine Aminotransferase Results Are High?

This does not automatically mean that medical problems exist.

ALT levels can be high when the liver is dealing with infection or even hard to digest foods. Strenuous exercise may increase ALT concentration, and certain drugs, such as paracetamol, or alcohol can also raise ALT.

A moderately high ALT can also occur with fatty liver disease. The risk of this is increased by high alcohol intake, diabetes, and increased serum triglycerides.

Persistently high levels of ALT are associated with numerous metabolic disorders and are often reviewed further. Very high concentrations of ALT (greater than four times the highest normal level) are usually due to chronic or acute hepatitis and are generally treated as clinically significant.

What if Alanine Aminotransferase Results Are Low?

Most low ALT results are consistent with a normal, healthy liver. In contrast, a very low ALT level can be associated with a liver that is low-functioning or non-functioning.

When other liver function test results are not abnormal, a low ALT level is unlikely to indicate a problem. Low ALT may also be linked to other factors.

  • A deficiency in vitamin B6 may decrease ALT levels.
  • Smoking can lower ALT in healthy people without liver disease.
  • Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills can lower ALT levels.

Why Take The Alanine Aminotransferase Test?

Transaminases are enzymes found inside cells, particularly in the liver and muscles. They are good markers of certain heart and liver diseases, hence the importance of monitoring their rate.

Transaminases are enzymes found in the cells of the body. There are two types of transaminases:

ALAT or SGPT transaminases (Alanine-Amino-Transferase or GlutamoPyruvate Transferase serum also for SGPT,) which are mainly found in liver, kidney cells and in small quantities in striated muscles and red blood cells;
ASAT transaminases (Aspartate-Amino-Transferase or SGOT, GlutamoOxaloacetate Transfer Serum) which are mainly found in striated muscle cells (skeletal and cardiac), red blood cells and liver cells. 
Normal values
The transaminase levels varies according to gender, age, body temperature  and of the body mass index (BMI) . In addition, be aware that the standards for transaminases may vary slightly depending on the technique used in the medical analysis laboratory. These standards are given for information only and do not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
 

Who Should Take This Test?

Measure your Alanine Aminotransferase levels and assess liver damage and your risk from liver disease with a Liver Function nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit

You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.

This Liver Function Test is advised if you:

  • want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
  • need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.

Can the ALT test diagnose other conditions?

The primary purpose of an ALT test is to detect liver damage. However, elevated ALT levels can occasionally indicate conditions affecting other organs, like the heart or muscles. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for precise interpretation.

How accurate is the ALT test?

The ALT test is highly accurate as it is conducted by a UKAS accredited lab. However, results must be interpreted in conjunction with your symptoms and other medical information. Sometimes, other tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

When might I need an ALT test?

An ALT test might be needed if you exhibit symptoms of liver disease or if you're prone to a condition which could cause liver damage like alcoholism or hepatitis. Regular testing may also be relevant if you are on certain medications that can harm the liver.

What should I do if the results are negative?

Negative or normal ALT test results suggest that your liver is typically functioning properly. However, if you still have symptoms or concerns about your health, contact your healthcare provider to discuss whether further investigations are needed.

What should I do if the results are positive?

If your ALT test results are high, it indicates potential liver damage or disease. In such cases, you should consult a healthcare provider who can interpret your results in the context of your overall health and symptoms, and potentially order additional testing.

How do I interpret the results of a ALT test?

The ALT test results are provided as a numerical value, typically in units per litre (U/L), and compared against a normal range for someone of your age and sex. If your levels are abnormally high, it may suggest damage or disease to your liver.

How do I use the ALT test kit?

With our test kit, you collect a small sample of your blood using a finger-prick device provided. This sample is then sent back to a UKAS accredited lab for analysis. Note that each kit is provided with detailed instructions on how to use the kit and collect the sample effectively.

How does the ALT test work?

The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test works by examining the concentration of ALT enzyme present in your blood. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, resulting in higher levels that can be identified through this test.

What symptoms can the ALT test help diagnose?

ALT is primarily found in the liver, and elevated levels can indicate liver damage or disease. This test can be particularly useful in understanding symptoms that may suggest liver issues. These symptoms include: 

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating a buildup of bilirubin.

  • Dark Urine: Can suggest liver problems or dehydration.
  • Light-Coloured Stool: May indicate a bile duct obstruction or other issues affecting bile production.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Often general symptoms, but persistent episodes can be linked to liver conditions.
  • Chronic Fatigue: A common sign of liver dysfunction. Itching: Generalized itching can sometimes be related to liver disease due to bile salt accumulation under the skin.
  • Abdominal Pain: Especially pain in the upper right part of the abdomen can be a sign of liver conditions.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, the ALT test can provide valuable insights into your liver health, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

What is the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test for?

The Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test is a blood test that helps to measure the level of ALT enzyme in your blood. This is often utilised to assess the health of your liver and to aid in the diagnosis of liver diseases, such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis.

Other Biomarkers Often Tested With Alanine Aminotransferase

Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Alanine Aminotransferase
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Albumin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Alkaline Phosphatase
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Bilirubin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Globulins
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Total Protein

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