Liver Function Tests (LFT’s)
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT) - serum
Application: Detection and monitoring of liver cell damage.
Explanation: This is an enzyme found largely in the liver. In liver disease, ALT is elevated in roughly the same circumstances as the AST but appears less sensitive, apparently requiring more extensive or severe acute hepatic damage to give abnormal values. ALT, therefore, is relatively specific for liver cell damage, unlike AST or LDH. In general, the ALT level usually returns to normal levels before the AST.
ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT) - serum
Application: Detection and monitoring of liver cell damage.
Explanation: This is an enzyme found largely in the liver. In liver disease, ALT is elevated in roughly the same circumstances as the AST but appears less sensitive, apparently requiring more extensive or severe acute hepatic damage to give abnormal values. ALT, therefore, is relatively specific for liver cell damage, unlike AST or LDH. In general, the ALT level usually returns to normal levels before the AST.
The AST/ALT ratio is typically >1 in alcoholic liver disease and <1 in non-alcoholic liver disease.
Specimen: 7 ml blood in red-top tube.
Reference Interval:
4-36 U/L (Adult/Child)
elderly may be slightly higher
infant may be twice as high
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