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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.
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.
Methodology
Kinetic Rate (NADH-without P-5'-P)
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
| Minnesota | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Ada Hospital | Fargo Hospital | Ashland Clinic |
| Deer River Hospital | Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th St Clinic | St. Mary's Hospital - Superior |
| Fosston Hospital | South University Clinic (Fargo) | |
| Holy Trinity Hospital (Graceville) | ||
| Moose Lake Hospital | ||
| Northern Pines (Aurora) | ||
| Sandstone Hospital | ||
| SMDC Clinical Lab (Duluth) | ||
| St. Joseph's Medical Center (Brainerd) | ||
| St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital | ||
| Virginia Hospital |
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: 10-48 IU/L
Adult Females: 6-33 IU/L