ALT

Why order this test?

If you have symptoms of liver disease you may want to order an ALT, alanine aminotransferase blood test or you may begin with a Hepatic Function Panel and use the ALT to monitor a flair up of a chronic liver condition. The comprehensive Hepatic Function Panel will aid in ruling out many liver conditions.

An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT is found mainly in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas . ALT was formerly called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). ... Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood.

Two types of Pancreatitis, Acute and Chronic

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis

• Abdominal Pain upper left quadrant
• Pain may increase when you lay flat
• Nausea
• Fever
• Rapid Heart Beat
• Dehydration

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

• May or may not have Abdominal Pain
• Bleeding from Anemia
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Weight Loss
• Inability to Produce Insulin Resulting in Diabetes

Diagnosing Pancreatitis

Both Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis are diagnosed similarly. Your doctor orders lab tests and takes your medical history and exam into consideration.

Causes of Pancreatitis

• Gallstones
• Medications
• Alcohol Abuse
• Chemical Exposure
• Trauma
• Hereditary Diseases
• Infections
• Surgical Procedures
• High Fat Levels in the Blood
• Genetic Abnormalities with the Pancreas or Intestine

Test Prep: None Indicated