Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is done to:
- Identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.
- Help check for liver damage.
- Find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
- Keep track of the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines and other medicines that can damage the liver.
| Last updated: | January 02, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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