ALT – SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase / Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase)
Sample Type: Serum

Description:
ALT (also known as SGPT) is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism and is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.

Purpose of Test:
Measures the level of ALT in the blood to:

Assess liver function

Detect liver damage or inflammation

Monitor liver disease or the effects of medications

Normal Range (may vary slightly by lab):

Adults: 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L)

Causes of Elevated ALT:

Hepatitis (viral or autoimmune)

Fatty liver disease

Cirrhosis

Alcohol abuse

Liver injury from drugs or toxins

Muscle damage (less common)

Clinical Significance:
An elevated ALT level is a sensitive indicator of liver cell injury. It is often one of the first enzymes to rise in response to liver damage.

Note:
ALT is usually interpreted alongside other liver function tests such as AST, ALP, and bilirubin for accurate diagnosis.