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ALT
Also known as: Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, SGPT Formal name: Alanine aminotransferase Related tests: AST, ALP, Bilirubin, Liver panel
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?ALT is an enzyme found mostly in the liver; smaller amounts of it are also in the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Under normal conditions, ALT levels in the blood are low. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the blood stream, usually before more obvious symptoms of liver damage occur, such as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
March 17, 2006.
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