elevated liver ALT

[sherib]

I recently donated blood, I received a letter today saying that my ALT liver enzyme was 120, they said I can't donate blood anymore. All the Hepatitis and HIV tests were negative. I am 26 years old, I'm a student, and no health problems. This has just scared me a little. I don't have insurance so it's out of the question to go to a m.d. What are the possiblities?

[kjs]

I have also recently received a letter from the Red Cross after a blood donation.  I have been to the doctor and am waiting for the results of the blood test from her.  I am confused about the number given.  The Red Cross stated that my ALT was 130 but the doctor thought that was unusual since the tests they run yields a number in the average range fo 20-30.  What is the difference?

[imkindly]

You can read more about ALT levels and what they mean at

http://thriveonline.oxygen.com/medical/library/article/003473res.html

You can read about Liver Function Tests at

http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/gi/labtests.html

(You may want to have one of these done....it's a simple blood test.)

[LUDS]

DON'T WORRY. IF YOU DRINK, IT'S FROM THAT. I'VE BEEN THERE. YOU QUIT THEY GO DOWN. YOU DRINK THEY GO UP. DOCTORS CAN'T TELL YOU ANYTHING AND YOU'VE WASTED MONEY IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE. THEY MAY GIVE YOU A VERY EXPENSIVE ULTRASOUND.

[Dr. Erik]

You must go to a doctor regardless of having medical insurance. It may turn out to be nothing, but I would rather be paying of doctor bills for a while than not be alive.