Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Also known as

ALT

Why get tested?

To screen for or monitor liver disease

When to get tested?

If your doctor thinks that you have symptoms of a liver disorder

Sample required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Test preparation needed?
None. Inform your health care provider if you are taking any medications as some medicines can affect the result of the test
 

What is being tested?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver; smaller amounts are also found in the kidneys, heart and muscles. Under normal conditions, ALT levels in the blood are low. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the blood stream, usually before more obvious symptoms of liver damage occur, such as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in the arm.

The Test

How is it used?

The ALT test detects liver injury. ALT values are usually assessed alongside other liver function tests, such as total protein, albuminalkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), to help determine which form of liver disease is present.

When is it requested?

A doctor usually requests an ALT test with other laboratory investigations to evaluate a patient who is at risk of or has symptoms of a liver disorder. Some of these symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, unusual weight gain and abdominal pain. ALT can also be used, either by itself or with other tests, for:

  • persons who have a history of known or possible exposure to hepatitis viruses,
  • those who drink too much alcohol,
  • those whose family have a history of liver disease,
  • people who take drugs that might damage the liver.

In people with mild symptoms, such as tiredness or loss of energy, ALT may be tested to make sure they do not have chronic (long-term) liver disease. ALT is often used to monitor the treatment of persons who have liver disease, to see if the treatment is working, and may be ordered either by itself or along with other tests.

What does the test result mean?

Very high levels of ALT (more than 10 times the highest normal level) are usually due to acute (short-term) hepatitis, often due to a virus infection. In acute hepatitis, ALT levels usually stay high for about 1–2 months, but can take as long as 3–6 months to return to normal.

ALT levels are usually not as high in chronic hepatitis, often less than 4 times the highest normal level: in this case, ALT levels often vary between normal and slightly increased, so doctors will order the test frequently to see if there is a pattern. In some liver diseases, especially when the bile ducts are blocked, or when a person has cirrhosis, ALT may be close to normal levels.

Reference Intervals

Adult
Male         5 - 40 U/L
Female     5 - 35 U/L

The reference intervals shown above are known as a harmonised reference interval. This means that eventually all laboratories in Australia will eventually use this same interval so wherever your sample is tested, the reference interval should be the one shown above. Laboratories are in the process of adopting these harmonised intervals so it is possible that the intervals shown on the report of your results for this test may be slightly different until this change is fully adopted. More information can be found under Reference Intervals – An Overview.

Is there anything else I should know?

Certain drugs may raise ALT levels by causing liver damage in a very small percentage of patients taking the drug. This is true of both prescription drugs and some ‘natural’ health products. If your doctor finds that you have a high ALT, tell him or her about all the drugs and health products you are taking.

Common Questions

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.  There are two major forms: acute and chronic.  Acute hepatitis is a fast developing disease and typically makes affected persons feel sick, as if they have the flu, often with loss of appetite and sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting. In many cases, acute hepatitis turns urine brown, and colours the skin and eyes yellow. Most affected individuals eventually recover completely. Chronic (long-term) hepatitis usually causes no symptoms, or causes only loss of energy and tiredness; most people don’t know that they have it. In some people, chronic hepatitis can gradually damage the liver and, after many years, cause it to fail.

What other tests are used to evaluate liver disorders?

Other commonly used liver tests include other enzymes found in liver cells, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as bilirubin (a breakdown product from red blood cells removed from the body by the liver and spleen) and albumin (a protein produced by the liver). The doctor will often order these tests together as a group and refer to them as 'liver function tests'.


Last Review Date: May 16, 2022


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