What Is an Alanine Aminotransferease (ALT) Test?

By
Peter Evans
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1What Is an ALT Test?

ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme mainly found in the liver. An ALT test can be done to measure the level of this enzyme in the blood. In general, liver is the largest organ in the body with many important functions. These include producing bile to help with digestion, removing toxins from the blood, storing iron and vitamins, and making proteins. ALT and other enzymes in the liver help it break down other proteins for easier absorption. Typically, it can be found in liver cells. Nevertheless, when inflammation or damage occurs in the liver, the enzyme may be released into the bloodstream, leading to a surge in ALT levels. Results of an ALT test, therefore, may help detect certain problems with the liver.  [1]

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