Alanine Transaminase (ALT/SGPT)
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Alanine transaminase enzyme; elevated in liver cell damage from hepatitis, alcohol, or fatty liver.
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🧪 Alanine Transaminase (SGPT / ALT)
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Also Known As | ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), SGPT |
Test Type | Blood test (part of Liver Function Test – LFT) |
Sample Required | Serum (from a blood draw) |
Fasting Required? | ❌ Not mandatory (but 8–12 hr fasting may be preferred in LFT panels) |
Normal Range | ~7 to 56 U/L (may vary slightly by lab and gender) |
🏥 What Does ALT/SGPT Measure?
ALT is an enzyme found mostly in the liver that plays a role in converting amino acids into energy. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, they release ALT into the bloodstream, causing levels to rise.
📈 A high ALT level indicates liver cell injury but does not indicate the specific cause.
🧠 Organs Involved
- Primary Organ: Liver
- Also found in smaller amounts in:
- Kidneys
- Heart
- Muscles
⚕️ Conditions Indicated by Abnormal ALT/SGPT Levels
ALT Level | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
Mildly Elevated | Fatty liver, alcohol use, medications, obesity |
Moderately Elevated | Hepatitis (A, B, C), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), autoimmune hepatitis |
Highly Elevated (>500 U/L) | Acute viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, ischemic hepatitis |
Low Levels | Typically not concerning; may be normal variation |
🔬 ALT is Commonly Done With:
Paired Tests | Purpose |
|---|---|
AST (SGOT) | Another liver enzyme; compared with ALT for pattern |
ALP, GGT | Cholestasis markers; helpful in biliary conditions |
Bilirubin (Total/Direct) | Assesses bile metabolism and excretion |
Albumin, Total Protein | Liver synthetic function |
Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) | Liver coagulation function |
🔁 ALT/AST Ratio: A Diagnostic Clue
Ratio | Likely Interpretation |
|---|---|
<1 | Viral hepatitis, NAFLD |
>2 | Alcoholic liver disease |
🧬 Further Diagnostic Recommendations (if ALT is high)
- Ultrasound abdomen / Fibroscan – To assess liver fat, fibrosis, and architecture
- Hepatitis B & C serology – Rule out viral hepatitis
- Autoimmune markers – ANA, ASMA, etc., if autoimmune hepatitis suspected
- Liver biopsy – For unexplained persistent elevation
- Metabolic panels – Lipid profile, glucose, insulin (for NASH/NAFLD workup)
✅ Summary
Test Name | Alanine Transaminase (ALT / SGPT) |
|---|---|
Used For | Detecting liver cell injury or inflammation |
Target Organ | Liver |
Common Diseases | Hepatitis, fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease |
Fasting Required? | No (but preferred for full LFT panel) |
Next Steps if Elevated | LFT panel, ultrasound, hepatitis panel, imaging |
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