ALT (SGPT) Test

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KEY POINTS

• The ALT or SGPT test measures a chemical called alanine transaminase (ALT). ALT is released into the blood when liver tissues are damaged.
• The ALT test checks for and measures damage to the liver. It is also done to check medical treatments that may affect the liver.
• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about what the test results mean and ask any questions you have.

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What is the ALT test?

This blood test measures an enzyme called alanine transaminase (ALT). Enzymes are chemicals that help the cells of your body work. ALT is an enzyme made in the liver. It is released into the blood when tissues are damaged.

This enzyme is also called serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT.

Why is this test done?

The ALT test checks for and measures damage to the liver. It is also done to check medical treatments that may affect the liver.

How do I prepare my child for this test?

• Your child may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Tell your child's healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements your child takes. Ask your provider before stopping any of your child’s regular medicines.
• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions about the test.

How is the test done?

Having this test will take just a few minutes. A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your child’s arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.

Ask your child’s healthcare provider how and when you will get your child’s test results.

What does the test result mean?

Your child’s ALT level may be much higher than normal (up to 50 times the upper limit of normal) if:

• Your child has liver damage from an acute viral infection such as hepatitis.
• Your child has liver damage caused by medicines your child has taken.

Your child’s ALT levels may be higher than normal also if:

• Your child has mononucleosis.
• Your child has liver or gallbladder disease such as gallstones, liver cancer, or liver failure.
• Your child has a muscle injury.
• Your child is taking a medicine that affects the test result.

No medical problems are known to cause an ALT level that is lower than normal. Sometimes the test result may be lower than normal but it does not mean there is a problem.

What if my child’s test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your child’s medical history, physical exam, and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the results and ask questions such as:

• If your child needs more tests
• What kind of treatment your child might need
• What lifestyle, diet, or other changes your child might need to make