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What is alt and ast in blood testing?

Updated: 9/18/2023
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13y ago

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Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Also Known As: AST Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase SGOT Aspartate Transaminase

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme. Enzymes are types of proteins that enable most bodily processes. AST exists mostly in the liver, but it is found in numerous tissues in the body.

Also Known As: ALT Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase SGPT GPT Alanine Transaminase

When cells become damaged, AST can be released into the bloodstream. For this reason, abnormal levels of AST in a blood sample can be an indication of an underlying problem.

Although AST can be measured alone, it is usually included with other enzymes as part of broader tests, such a liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). When interpreted alongside other enzymes, an AST measurement can help identify liver disease and other health issues.

An AST test measures the level of aspartate aminotransferase in your blood. AST is an enzyme that is normally present in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, and many other muscles and tissues in the body. Enzymes like AST help facilitate fundamental biological processes in these organs and tissues.

It is common for AST to be measured as part of a panel of other enzymes and proteins in the blood because it may provide your doctor with a better view of your overall condition compared to only evaluating the AST test result.

Alanine aminotransferase, usually referred to as ALT, is an enzyme that is concentrated primarily in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate important functions in the body.

An ALT test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT levels can increase when liver cells are damaged, so the test can be used to evaluate the condition of the liver.

In general, ALT is not tested alone. Instead, it is usually measured along with other liver enzymes as part of a panel test like the liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

The purpose of an ALT test is to help assess the health of the liver. Damage to cells in the liver can cause ALT to leak into the blood, so an ALT test can help detect liver problems.

What does the test measure?

An ALT test measures the level of this enzyme, alanine aminotransferase, in your blood.

ALT is one of several enzymes that help the liver function properly. Although small amounts of ALT can be found in other parts of the body, it is predominantly found in the liver.

In most cases, ALT is not measured by itself. Instead, ALT is normally one of several measurements in a liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel. Taking multiple measurements along with ALT provides more context for evaluating liver health.

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Ebba Hoeger

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2y ago
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13y ago

AST is aspartate transaminase.

ALT is alanine transaminase.

These are both liver enzymes - which can help to monitor liver function.

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veronica pinero

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Anonymous

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What does ALT mean?

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Q: What is alt and ast in blood testing?
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Related questions

What is the formula to determine AST ALT ratio?

The ratio of AST to ALT (AST:ALT) is calculated by dividing the AST value by the ALT value


How do you lower your alt ast level?

How do you lower your AST and ALT levels


What are the homeopathic remedies to lower AST and ALT?

AST is another name for SGOT and ALT is another name for SGPT.The reference range of AST is 15-41 IU/L and that of ALT is 14-54IU/LThere is no specific medicine in homeopathy for lowering AST and ALT but there are medicines which improves liver functions.


What does a high count of alt in blood mean in catalyst dx test?

The ALT and AST give a read on a blood test together. These two numbers have a ratio together. There is no particular meaning of just the ALT on it's own.


ALT and AST > ALP?

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When tests are done on your blood and the results show high levels in your liver what does that mean?

alt=128 ast=97


What are normal levels of ALT and AST?

reference range of ALT is <40 u/l reference range of AST is <35 u/l


What is symbol for liver enzymes on blood test?

Liver enzymes in blood tests are ALT/SGPT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST/SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase).


Autoimmune?

ALT and AST Moderately increased


What conditions elevate ALT and AST?

ALT and AST can be elevated in many diseases, but are indicators of the health of the liver. If they are both elevated then there is something going on with the liver, but without more information, or without knowing their numbers I wouldn't be able to give a reliable diagnosis. Some of the causes of elevated ALT and AST are: alcoholism, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and some blood disorders, but there are many more.


Acute liver damage (due, for example, to infection, toxins or drugs, etc.)?

ALT and AST Usually greatly increased; ALT is usually higher than AST


Your bilirubin is 1.2 is this high?

Yes but it also depends on your other blood results as well like your AST and ALT. How do you feel at the moment is the question....