05.03.2023 - By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Alanine Aminotransferase in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Alanine Aminotransferase – ALT Description: Measures amount of ALT, an enzyme produced by the liver, present in circulation Found in: Most abundantly in liver Heart Skeletal muscle kidney Increases in lab values indicate liver disease or liver damage Indications: Evaluation of ALT: Progression of liver disease Monitoring response to treatment Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal – 40-130 U/L Collection: Plasma separator tube What would cause increased levels? INCREASED: Cirrhosis Muscle damage Preeclampsia Biliary tract obstruction Burns Pancreatitis Long-term alcohol abuse Liver Cancer Muscular dystrophy MI Myositis Shock Infection-mononucleosis What would cause decreased levels? DECREASED: Pyridoxal phosphate deficiency A rare genetic metabolic disorder