ALT, or the recently coined SGPT, is found in the liver. When liver tissues are damaged, they release this enzyme from the cytoplasm into the bloodstream
The presence of this enzyme in the blood indicates liver dysfunction. High levels are a warning sign of liver damage.
The most common way to diagnose liver cirrhosis is through high urine levels. A blood test will confirm whether the presence of this enzyme is caused by liver disease. This test also has the ALT form. This test is usually part of a set of tests known as a "liver biopsy".
A liver biopsy can be performed in the patient's own body, and computed tomography can be used to visualize the liver. These are mainly images of the liver taken from all sides. If abnormal liver tissue is found, computed tomography can determine if it is indeed abnormal tissue. A liver biopsy is done under general anesthesia and involves inserting a needle into the liver.
In the past, the ALT test was performed by a doctor who was not a member of the FDA and did not have scientific training. Many medical laboratories today have a team of doctors, scientists, and technicians who are fully trained to conduct the ALT test. They are experts in performing these tests on all types of patients, including those with cirrhosis.
When high ALT levels are present, computed tomography (CT) scans can be done to confirm whether the presence of the enzyme is caused by liver disease. When the liver is inflamed or injured a small scar may form in the liver tissue.
In people with cirrhosis of the liver, high ALT levels can cause jaundice. Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can occur in any part of the body where ALT levels are elevated, but is most commonly found in the liver.
When an ALT test is done, it is used to make sure that no liver damage has occurred. if ALT is found, a CT scan can confirm that the liver is intact. or that the scar is too small for the liver to be seen on a CT scan.
If there are any symptoms of liver damage, an ALT test can be used to make sure it was caused by injury. If there are any symptoms of jaundice, an ultrasound scan can be used to confirm that it is jaundice and not some other medical condition. An ALT test can also help rule out some serious medical conditions, such as liver failure or cancer.
The ALT test can be ordered from any health care provider that conducts tests for cirrhosis and the results can be obtained by the patient. The test can be ordered both in hospital and outpatient.
An ALT test can take the form of a blood test or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.