ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found primarily in your liver. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the bloodstream, making it one of the most important markers for liver health. The ALT test is often the first step in screening for hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and other liver conditions. At Zain Cura Medical Center in Dubai, we perform accurate ALT testing with results in just 4-6 hours – no fasting required, walk-in welcome, and home collection available 24/7 across Dubai. Our DHA-licensed laboratory uses precise automated analyzers to measure ALT levels with 99.8% accuracy. Liver disease often develops silently without symptoms. Early detection through ALT testing allows doctors to intervene before serious damage occurs.
Whether you're scheduling a routine health check or your doctor has recommended testing, understanding what this test measures and what your results mean is essential for informed health decisions.
Quick Facts
Essential information about the ALT (SGPT - Serine Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) test at a glance
What is an ALT Test?
An ALT test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase in your blood. ALT is an enzyme that helps your liver metabolize amino acids and produce energy. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream where it can be measured.
ALT is highly specific to the liver. Most ALT in your body is in liver cells. Elevated ALT usually means liver damage, while normal ALT suggests the liver is functioning properly.
Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, C can cause very high ALT in acute hepatitis, and can be asymptomatic initially.
Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is most common, along with alcoholic liver disease. Often accompanies obesity and diabetes.
Cirrhosis
End-stage liver scarring may have paradoxically normal ALT in advanced disease.
What Does This Test Detect?
Highly specific marker of liver damage; elevated in hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease
Why Your Doctor Orders This Test
The ALT (SGPT - Serine Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) is commonly ordered to screen for, diagnose, or monitor medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend this test as part of routine health screening, to investigate symptoms, or to track your response to treatment.
Why Get an ALT Test?
Screening for Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C can be silent for years, causing progressive liver damage without symptoms. ALT testing detects this treatable condition early.
Evaluating Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD affects 25-30% of adults and often accompanies obesity and diabetes. ALT screening identifies those needing lifestyle intervention.
Monitoring Alcohol Use
Chronic heavy drinkers develop liver damage progressively. Regular ALT testing helps track liver health and motivate behavior change.
Monitoring Medication Safety
Some medications (acetaminophen, statins, certain antibiotics) can cause liver damage. ALT monitoring ensures safety during long-term use.
When Should You Get This Test?
Consider getting tested if you have these symptoms or risk factors
Symptoms to Watch For
- •Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- •Dark urine
- •Pale stools
- •Abdominal pain or swelling
- •Fatigue or weakness
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Easy bruising
- •Itching
Risk Factors
- •Chronic hepatitis B or C exposure
- •Heavy alcohol consumption
- •Obesity (BMI over 30)
- •Type 2 diabetes
- •High cholesterol or triglycerides
- •Family history of liver disease
- •Autoimmune disease
Recommended Testing Frequency
Every 1-2 years as part of routine screening
Annually or every 1-2 years
Every 3-6 months as recommended by doctor
Before starting and periodically during treatment
Normal Reference Ranges
These ranges are general guidelines. Your results should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your individual health status and medical history.
Important: Normal ranges may vary based on age, sex, and individual factors. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation of your results.
How to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these simple preparation guidelines for accurate results
Pre-Test Preparation
No fasting required
What to Do
- • Bring valid ID (Emirates ID, passport, or driver's license)
- • Wear comfortable, short-sleeved clothing
- • Stay hydrated (drink water before test)
- • Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in
- • List current medications and supplements
What to Avoid
- • Excessive caffeine immediately before
- • Strenuous exercise 24 hours before
- • Don't skip prescribed medications without consulting doctor
- • Avoid stress and anxiety before blood draw
Related Laboratory Tests
Tests often ordered together for comprehensive health assessment
AST (SGOT - Serine Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase)
Liver enzyme; present in liver, heart, muscle, and kidney
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Enzyme found in liver, bones, and bile ducts; indicates cholestasis or bone disease
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Enzyme found mainly in liver; more specific for liver disease than ALP
Total Bilirubin
Total bilirubin concentration; indicator of liver function and hemolysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the ALT (SGPT - Serine Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) test
What's the Difference Between ALT and AST?
Both are liver enzymes. ALT is more specific to liver; AST is in liver, heart, and muscle. ALT/AST ratio helps identify disease type. Both rise with liver damage.
Can I Eat Before ALT Testing?
Yes, absolutely. Fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally. Results not affected by fasting.
What if My ALT is Mildly Elevated?
Depends on degree and other test results. Mild elevations may need retesting in 3 months, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss), or further investigation for hepatitis.
Can Medication Cause High ALT?
Yes. Acetaminophen, statins, antibiotics, and some herbs can raise ALT. Inform your doctor about all medications when ALT is elevated.
Is Exercise Before Testing a Problem?
Strenuous exercise can slightly raise ALT. For most accurate results, avoid intense exercise day of test.
Can Alcohol the Night Before Affect ALT?
Possibly. Heavy drinking can transiently raise ALT. For most accurate baseline, avoid alcohol 24 hours before test.
Does High ALT Always Mean Liver Disease?
Not necessarily. ALT can be elevated from medications, exercise, or other conditions. ALT, AST, and other liver tests together determine if true liver disease.
Is ALT Test Painful?
No. It's just a regular blood draw – small needle prick like a mosquito bite. No more uncomfortable than standard blood tests.
Can I Get ALT Test at Home?
Yes! Home collection is available 24/7 across Dubai. Same accuracy and turnaround time as clinic. Book via smart assistant chatbot.
How Often Should I Get ALT Tested?
Depends on risk factors. Healthy adults: every 1-2 years. With risk factors: annually. Known liver disease: every 3-12 months. Your doctor will recommend your schedule.
Recommended Test Packages
- ALT
- AST
- ALP
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
- Hepatitis Serology