Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
| Label Mnemonic: | ALT |
| Epic code: | LAB132 |
| Order form: | Laboratory Requisition |
| Supply order: | Supply Order Form |
| Billing: | Billing Policies |
| CPT code: | 84460 |
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
|
| Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL |
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection
containers.
Minimum:
3 mL; light green top or 1 Microtainer®
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Males 0-41 U/L; Females 0-33 U/L Pediatric Normal Ranges: Age Male U/L Female U/L 1-30 days 1-25 2-25 31-365 days 4-35 3-30 1-3 years 5-30 5-30 4-6 years 5-20 5-25 7-9 years 5-25 5-25 10-18 years 5-30 5-20
Comments:
Adult reference ranges changed 11/26/2013. The upper limit of normal
for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reference ranges for adults is
controversial with some authorities recommending limits as low as 30
U/L for males and 19 U/L for females. There is increased incidence
of subclinical liver disease (e.g., early steatohepatitis) in
patients with ALT values in the range of 31-41 U/L for males and
20-33 U/L for females. ALT values should always interpreted in
conjunction with clinical history, physical examination findings,
and, if applicable, data from other diagnostic tests.
References:
Schwimmer JB et al,. SAFETY Study: alanine aminotransferase cutoff values are set too high for reliable detection of pediatric chronic liver disease. Gastroenterology 2010; 138(4): 1357-1364.
References:
Schwimmer JB et al,. SAFETY Study: alanine aminotransferase cutoff values are set too high for reliable detection of pediatric chronic liver disease. Gastroenterology 2010; 138(4): 1357-1364.
Test Limitations:
Criterion: Recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial value. Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 for conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 mg/dL). Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 200. RBC contamination may elevate results. Lipemia (Intralipid): No significant interference up to an L index of 250 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 500 mg/dL). There is poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration. Lipemia may cause absorbance flagging as a result of an absorbance increase.
Methodology:
UV Testing
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation
of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen
in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal
bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.