Elevated ALT / AST

[Katash]

I just had a blood test done for an insurance policy last week.  I am a 36 year old white male.  I exercise pretty regularly and am in very good physical health.  The test results showed an ALT of 102 and an AST of 61.  I have no symptoms that anything is wrong with my liver or anything else for that matter.  Could this test have been false and should I get retested?  Is this considered a high level of these enzymes?

[MrsOckert]

I don't want to scare you but the most common way for people to find out they have Hepatitis C is by high liver enzymes on an insurance test.  I imagine the tests will come back the same and you will need to find a gastroenterologist for further testing.  Just realize that Hep C is not a death sentence.  But you definitely need to see a doctor.

[Katash]

Thank you for your comments.  I had another blood test done this morning.  Hopefully my ALT/AST levels will be normal.  If they are, should I get retested again later or is that not necessary?  I suppose the fact that there is no liver disease in my family history does not really matter, correct?  Also, is it common for the test to be wrong?

I really appreciate your insight.

[dr_simran]

Hello Katash,
The following information would be great help.
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase or ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver but also to a lesser degree, the heart and other tissues. It is useful in diagnosing liver function more so than SGOT levels. Decreased SGPT in combination with increased cholesterol levels is seen in cases of a congested liver. We also see increased levels in mononucleosis, alcoholism, liver damage, kidney infection, chemical pollutants or myocardial infarction.
Normal Adult Range: 0 - 48 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 24
Your level indicates that you might be having some kind of liver disease, most likely hepatitis. Get also a repeat test and consult doctor for clinical correlation.
Refer: http://home3.inet.tele.dk/omni/alttest.htm#sgpt2

SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxalocetic Transaminase - AST)
Serum Glutamic Oxalocetic Transaminase or AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and muscles. Seen in tissue damage, especially heart and liver, this enzyme is normally elevated. Vitamin B deficiency and pregnancy are two instances where the enzyme may be decreased.
Normal Adult Range: 0 - 42 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 21

Get the reading again as the levels are just borderline high.

Refer: http://home3.inet.tele.dk/omni/alttest.htm#sgot

Best

[dr_simran]

Hello Katash,
The following information would be great help.
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase or ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver but also to a lesser degree, the heart and other tissues. It is useful in diagnosing liver function more so than SGOT levels. Decreased SGPT in combination with increased cholesterol levels is seen in cases of a congested liver. We also see increased levels in mononucleosis, alcoholism, liver damage, kidney infection, chemical pollutants or myocardial infarction.
Normal Adult Range: 0 - 48 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 24
Your level indicates that you might be having some kind of liver disease, most likely hepatitis. Get also a repeat test and consult doctor for clinical correlation.
Refer: http://home3.inet.tele.dk/omni/alttest.htm#sgpt2

SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxalocetic Transaminase - AST)
Serum Glutamic Oxalocetic Transaminase or AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and muscles. Seen in tissue damage, especially heart and liver, this enzyme is normally elevated. Vitamin B deficiency and pregnancy are two instances where the enzyme may be decreased.
Normal Adult Range: 0 - 42 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 21

Get the reading again as the levels are just borderline high.

Refer: http://home3.inet.tele.dk/omni/alttest.htm#sgot

Best