What does elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicate?
Disease description:
I have no appetite and feel slightly nauseous. A routine blood test revealed elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). I’m worried something might be wrong with my body, so: What does elevated serum alanine aminotransferase indicate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Hello, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used to assess liver function. Therefore, an elevated ALT level suggests abnormal liver function or other hepatic disorders. The normal reference range for ALT is 0–40 U/L. ALT levels rise directly when hepatocytes are damaged. Clinically, the most common conditions associated with abnormal ALT levels include chronic hepatitis B (characterized by “big three positives” or “small three positives”) and liver cirrhosis. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
