What does ALT and AST measure?

AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are reasonably sensitive indicators of liver damage or injury from different types of diseases or conditions, and collectively they are termed liver tests or liver blood tests.

What does a high ALT and AST mean?

If you have high levels of AST and/or ALT, it may mean that you have some type of liver damage. You may also have an AST test part of a series of liver function tests. In addition to AST and ALT, liver function tests measure other enzymes, proteins, and substances in the liver.

What does it mean if your ALT is high?

High levels of ALT can be a result of damage or injury to cells. Because ALT is most concentrated in the liver, abnormal ALT test results are generally associated with conditions affecting the liver, such as inflammation (hepatitis) and scarring (cirrhosis).

What does low AST and ALT mean?

An AST/ALT ratio of less than one (where the ALT is significantly higher than the AST) is suggestive of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. An AST/ALT ratio equal to one (where the ALT is equal to the AST) is suggestive of acute viral hepatitis or drug-related liver toxicity.

Is ALT of 71 high?

Normal levels of AST and ALT may slightly vary depending on the individual laboratory’s reference values. Typically the range for normal AST is reported between 10 to 40 units per liter and ALT between 7 to 56 units per liter. Mild elevations are generally considered to be 2-3 times higher than the normal range.

Is ALT 52 high?

A normal ALT test result can range from 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L). Levels are normally higher in men. Slightly high ALT levels may be caused by: Alcohol abuse.

What does high alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels mean?

A patient who has elevated levels of Aspartate aminotransferase and normal alanine aminotransferase levels shows that the patient has a normal functioning liver but has an injury to other tissues or even hemolysis. These liver enzyme levels can be very high up to 10 to 20 times the normal values.

What is an aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) test?

What Is an Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test? Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on May 20, 2021 The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is a blood test that checks for liver damage. Your doctor might order this test to find out if you have liver disease and to monitor your treatment.

Is the AST test part of the metabolic panel?

The AST test is also part of a comprehensive metabolic panel — a blood test your doctor does as part of a routine exam. How Do I Prepare? You don’t need any special preparation for the ALT test. Tell your doctor what drugs or supplements you take. Some medicines can affect the results of this test. What Happens During the Test?

What kind of test is Alt for liver function?

ALT usually is done as part of a group of liver function tests called a liver panel. This panel also includes an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test. AST is another liver enzyme. As with ALT, the levels of AST in your blood rise if your liver is damaged.