ALT or SGPT Blood Test

What Is ALT?

ALT, which is short for alanine aminotransferase or alanine transaminase, is a kind of protein called an enzyme. It helps the liver change food into energy. ALT used to be known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) so you might hear ALT be called SGPT.

What Is the ALT Blood Test and Why Is It Done?

An ALT blood test (or SGPT test) checks the level of ALT in blood. Doctors might order an ALT blood test if a child has signs of a possible liver problem, like jaundice (yellowish skin or whites of the eyes), dark pee, nausea, vomiting, or belly pain.

They might also do the test if a child is taking medicine or has a medical problem that might affect the liver.

Top Things to Know

• The ALT test checks the level of ALT in the blood to see if there’s a liver problem.
• Sometimes, kids might need to stop taking certain medicines or not eat or drink before the test.
• Your doctor can explain what it means if the ALT level is too high.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and calm can help.

What Do ALT Test Results Mean?

Your doctor will explain what the results of the ALT test mean for your child. What’s “normal” varies based on things like age and gender.

High ALT levels can be a sign that the liver is injured or irritated, and ALT is leaking out of the liver cells.

What Else Should I Know?

When kids have an ALT blood test, they’ll likely have an AST test too, which checks the level of another liver enzyme called AST (aspartate aminotransferase). Sometimes an AST test is called an SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) test. The levels of one enzyme might be higher than the other in certain conditions.

If you have questions about the ALT test, or what the results mean, speak with your doctor.