Alanine Aminotransferase Test: Normal Range and Results

Alanine aminotransferase test helps assess the functioning of your liver. With the help of the alanine aminotransferase blood test, it is easy for doctors to determine if your liver is damaged either due to the intake of some medicines or any disease. This health test measures the level of ALT enzyme in your blood. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an important enzyme found in the liver. 

If the test indicates high levels of ALT enzyme in your blood, it means that there is damage in your liver. With the help of the alanine aminotransferase blood test, early detection of liver diseases like jaundice is easily predictable even before you start showing symptoms. 

The ALT enzyme plays a vital role in the liver by helping the organ break down different proteins. With the help of ALT, your liver is capable of performing the following functions. 

• Helps store iron and other essential nutrients 
• Helps eliminate toxins from your blood 
• Helps in bile production for smooth digestion 

Though ALT is predominantly found in the liver, during liver inflammation or damage, it is released in your blood. This results in an abnormal increase of the ALT enzyme in the blood, which can be determined with the help of the alanine aminotransferase test. According to a report, there is an increase in mortality among Indians due to liver damage [1]. Indians contributed 18.3% of the 2 million lives lost due to liver diseases in the year 2015 [2].  

This makes it a problem that deserves care and attention. While you are aware that the liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, understand that any damage to this organ could be fatal. Approximately 10 lakh patients are diagnosed with liver ailments every year in India. That’s the reason why it is important for you to take the alanine aminotransferase blood test. This way, you can check if there is any damage in your liver and get treatment early on. For a proper understanding of the alanine aminotransferase test, read on. 

When do you need to undergo an alanine aminotransferase test? 

Your doctor may order this test under the following conditions. 

• If the color of your urine sample is dark 
• If you have nausea 
• If your skin or eyes turn yellow due to jaundice 
• If you experience pain in the right upper side of the abdomen 
• If you vomit continuously 
• If your skin is always itchy 
• If you are feeling extremely tired 
• If you have stomach pain 

While the alanine aminotransferase blood test is used to check conditions like liver failure or any other injury, you may need to undergo it if you are showing any liver disease symptoms. While an increase in the enzyme levels helps determine liver damage, you may not be able to assess the extent of damage using this test. 

You may have to undergo other liver tests along with this test. This may help the doctor understand liver injury in depth. If you have the following risk factors, the alanine aminotransferase blood test may be included in your routine checkup. 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Family history of liver disease 
• Intake of specific medicines 
• Presence of conditions like Hepatitis and diabetes 

There are other reasons why you may have to undergo an alanine aminotransferase test. If your doctor wants to check the progression of your liver disease or understand how well the treatment plan is going, you may have to take this test. This test also helps to assess when the liver disease treatment should begin.

Is there any special preparation required before an alanine aminotransferase test? 

While there is no need for any special preparation, it is important that you inform the doctor about the supplements and drugs you are taking. Certain medications affect the alanine aminotransferase blood test results. You may have to fast overnight if you are getting comprehensive liver profiling done. In case you have been asked to undergo only this test, you do not require fasting. Follow your doctor’s instructions for effective results. While the liver function test ranges between Rs.250 and Rs.1000, the alanine aminotransferase test cost ranges between Rs.60 and Rs.1000.

What do alanine aminotransferase blood test results mean? 

If your liver is healthy, your blood sample will show normal ALT levels. The results range differs according to each laboratory, so it is best to check the reference range in your results. ALT levels are slightly higher in males when compared to females.

Your age also plays a crucial factor in determining the ALT levels. The test results range between 29 and 33IU/L for males for 19-25IU/L for females, according to a report [3]. While the value differs for each lab, a normal alanine aminotransferase test results range is usually between 7 and 55IU/L.

While you are aware that elevated levels of ALT enzyme indicate liver damage, remember that moderately high levels may be due to muscle injury or heat stroke. Get your test results checked by a doctor to know about the underlying cause. Book this lab test on Bajaj Finserv Health and get your blood test done from the comfort of your home. Here you can also enjoy a discounted alanine aminotransferase test cost price of just Rs.278 and enjoy other discounts on diagnostic packages too. 

To make medical expenses easier in your pockets, browse the Aarogya Care range of health insurance plans on Bajaj Finserv Health. By investing in the Complete Health Solution insurance plan, you get added benefits such as lab test reimbursement, free preventive health checkups, and unlimited teleconsultations with doctors, apart from high medical coverage and other features. Invest in a plan today for a safe and healthy life tomorrow!