Alanine Transaminase Test - All You Need to Know

Introduction

The enzyme alanine transaminase is also known as alanine aminotransferase. An enzyme is a protein found throughout the body that acts as a biological catalyst to perform some bodily functions.

The other names used for this test include:

• Alanine aminotransferase.

• Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).

• Glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT).

What Is the Alanine Transaminase Test?

• The alanine transaminase test measures the amount of alanine transaminase enzyme in the blood. The level of the alanine transaminase enzyme in the blood can increase if the liver cells are damaged. Thus many healthcare professionals use this test to determine the liver's health.

• Many problems in the liver can cause this enzyme to increase; thus, professionals do not use this test alone to diagnose certain conditions, which is one of the tests that would be taken, along with a series of other tests included in the blood test panel.

• A blood test panel comprises a series of tests that measures different aspects of blood and helps provide more detailed information about the body's overall health. It comes under a panel called liver function tests which includes another enzyme along with this, which is called aspartate transaminase (AST).

• The doctor usually compares the ratio of the two enzymes mentioned above to determine how much liver damage has been caused.

How Is Screening Done?

Screening is checking the different aspects of the body before the patient experiences symptoms. For example, doctors may recommend the patient get the screening for the liver panel blood test done if the patient has the following risk factors:

• Heavy usage of alcohol.

• Diabetes.

• Obesity.

• Family history of liver disease.

The doctor may recommend a liver panel blood test if the patient has the following symptoms which include:

• Stomach pain.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Weakness.

• Yellow eyes or skin.

• Itchy skin.

• Extreme tiredness.

• Dark-colored urine.

What to Do Before Taking the Test?

If the alanine transaminase test is a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP - a set of tests that measures 14 different substances in the blood, which includes blood glucose, calcium, alanine transaminase, etc.), then the individual needs to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for ten to 12 hours before performing the test. However, if the patient is taking only the alanine transaminase test, which is rare, the individual can skip fast.

What Happens During an Alanine Transaminase Test?

• The patient will be made to sit in a chair. The healthcare professional will check the patient's arm for an easily accessible vein, usually in the inner part of the arm on the other side of the elbow.

• The healthcare professional will then tie a band around the upper part of the arm to make the blood in the vein collect over that area while drawing blood. Then the area to be injected will be disinfected using an antiseptic solution.

• The healthcare worker will inject the needle into that area into the vein to take the blood sample, which would not cause much pain and would feel only like a pinch. A small amount of blood will then be collected in a test tube.

• Once there is enough blood for the test, the healthcare worker will remove the needle and place a cotton ball or gauze and a bandaid at the injection site to stop the bleeding. The whole test will take only five minutes.

• The test is performed by a phlebotomist who specializes in taking blood tests, or any healthcare provider trained in taking blood tests will perform this test. The sample will then be sent to the lab, where a medical lab professional will perform the test and share the results with the patient after it is done.

• The results will come in one or two business days in most cases. It may also take longer.

Is There Any Risk in Taking the Test?

The alanine transaminase test is usually safe. The risk factors are minor and include:

• Bleeding.

• Bruising.

• Infection.

• A slight pinch-like pain when the needle is injected.

• A feeling of fainting or feeling dizzy.

What Is the Normal Range for the Alanine Transaminase Test?

The normal range of alanine transaminase differs from one lab to another. The common reference range for an alanine transaminase test is seven to fifty-six units per liter. The alanine transaminase is usually higher in males than in females. Since ranges vary depending on the lab, it is vital to check the test result report to know the specific lab reference range.

What Does It Mean if the Alanine Transaminase Is High?

High levels of the enzyme alanine transaminase in the blood can be due to damage or injury caused in the cells of the liver. Elevated levels of alanine transaminase can indicate the following conditions which include:

• Alcohol-induced liver damage.

• Fatty liver disease.

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

• Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

• Taking medications that can be toxic to the liver.

• Liver cancer.

• Liver ischemia (liver death caused by insufficient blood flow to the liver).

• Hemochromatosis (having too much iron in the body).

• Mononucleosis (swollen liver).

• Blockage of bile ducts.

What Does It Mean if the Alanine Transaminase Is Low?

Having a low level of the enzyme alanine transaminase is rare. If it is low, it would indicate a deficiency in vitamin B6 or kidney disease.

Does Having a High or Low Level of Alanine Transaminase Indicate a Medical Condition?

The answer is no. Having a low or high level of the alanine transaminase enzyme does not necessarily mean that the patient has some medical condition. Other factors can also affect the level of the enzyme, which include the following:

• Exercise: Intense workout can cause a rise in the level of the alanine transaminase enzyme.

• Medications: Many medications can affect the level of alanine transaminase, including some over-the-counter medications. Example: Acetaminophen.

• Menstruation: Alanine transaminase enzyme can increase or decrease during the menstrual cycle.

• Age: The level of the alanine transaminase enzyme tends to decrease with older age.

Conclusion

Having an elevated alanine transaminase level does not necessarily mean that the individual has some medical condition. Many other factors can also affect the level of the alanine transaminase enzyme. Less than 5 percent of people who have elevated levels of enzyme alanine transaminase present with severe damage to the liver. Thus, the doctor will consider several other factors, like medical history and drug history, for a final diagnosis.