Metabolic panel
ALT
ALT is an enzyme concentrated in liver cells. When liver cells are irritated or damaged, ALT leaks into the blood, which makes it one of the more specific routine markers of liver stress.
Typical adult reference range
Roughly 7 to 55, with lower upper limits used by many labs · U/L
Ranges vary between laboratories and by age, sex and method. Always read your own result against the range printed on your own report.
What a high result can mean
A raised ALT can follow fatty liver, alcohol, viral hepatitis, some medicines and supplements, and recent intense exercise. Mild elevations are common and are usually rechecked before anything is investigated further.
What a low result can mean
A low ALT is not generally considered clinically significant.
What commonly affects this result
Alcohol in preceding days, paracetamol and other medicines, herbal supplements, intense exercise, and weight change.
Questions worth asking your doctor
- Should this be repeated before we investigate further?
- Could any of my medicines or supplements be responsible?
- Does my AST to ALT ratio suggest a particular cause?
See what your own results say
Upload your blood test and get a plain English summary of every value on it, with the questions worth raising at your next appointment.
Analyse my resultsThis page explains what a test measures. It is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what your own result means. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and results are only meaningful alongside your history, your symptoms and your other results. Always discuss your results with your doctor.