ALT/SGPT:
An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in the blood. ALT is also called as Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased.
Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood. But when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up.
ALT test is done to:
- Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.
- Help check for liver damage.
| Males: | 10-40 units per liter (U/L) or 0.17-0.68 microkatals per liter (mckat/L) |
| Females: | 7-35 U/L or 0.12-0.60 mckat/L |
Abnormal ALT values indicate:
- Liver damage such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Lead poisoning
- Strenuous exercise or severe injury to muscle
- Decay of a large tumor
AST/SGOT:
AST, otherwise called as Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) is normally present in the red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissues etc.
This test maybe done at the same time as an ALT test.
ALT test is done to:
- Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.
- Help check for liver damage.
| Males: | 14-20 units per liter (U/L) or 0.23-0.33 microkatals per liter (mckat/L) |
| Females: | 10-36 U/L or 0.17-0.60 mckat/L |
Abnormal ALT values indicate:
- Liver damage such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Heart attack or Heart failure
- Strenuous exercise or severe injury to muscle
- Decay of a large tumor
- Kidney or lung damage
