Home
HelpTest Code LAB8 Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Plasma or Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| ALT | LAB8 | ALT |
Useful For/Utility
Diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease associated with hepatic necrosis.
Methodology
Kinetic Rate (NADH-without P-5'-P)
Clinical Information
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), also referred to as glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It is found in many tissues, but the highest levels are found in liver and kidney tissues. Tissue destruction leads to the release of the intracellular enzyme into the circulating blood. Markedly elevated serum ALT levels may be found in a variety of diseases which involve the liver, such as hepatitis, mononucleosis, and cirrhosis. These very high levels of ALT are not usually observed in other disease processes, e.g., myocardial infarction; thus, ALT is regarded as a reasonably specific indicator of liver disease.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.
3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry -
St. Joseph's - Baxter Clinic Lab, St. Joseph's - Brainerd Clinic Lab, St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
Ashland Clinic Lab, Deer River Hospital Lab, Ely Clinic Lab, Hayward Clinic Lab, Hibbing Clinic Lab, International Falls Clinic Lab, Northern Pines Lab, Moose Lake Hospital Lab, Sandstone Hospital Lab, SMDC Clinical Lab, Spooner Clinic Lab, St. Mary's Hospital - Superior Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab
Ada Hospital Lab, Fargo Hospital Lab, Fosston Hospital Lab, Holy Trinity Hospital Lab, Park Rapids Clinic Lab, South University Clinic Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84460
Reference Values
0-1 year: 6-33 IU/L
1-12 years: 9-25 IU/L
13-18 years: 8-24 IU/L
Adult Males: 6-40 IU/L
Adult Females: 6-31 IU/L