Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Metabolism & organs
ALT test
Alanine aminotransferase. Liver enzyme; elevations may point to liver cell injury from fatty liver disease, hepatitis, medications, or alcohol. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
ALT is an enzyme, a type of protein, found mostly in your liver. When liver cells are irritated or hurt, more of it can leak into your blood.
Why it matters for women
Fatty liver disease, when extra fat builds up in the liver, is more likely with PCOS, insulin resistance and after menopause. It may first be noticed from a raised ALT, though ALT can look normal even when fatty liver is present. Healthy ALT levels can run lower in women than in men, which matters when reading a borderline result.
You might check it if…
- you live with PCOS, insulin resistance or diabetes
- you drink alcohol regularly or take medicines that affect the liver
- a past liver test came back high
What your result may mean
High ALT: what it may mean
High ALT may point to liver cell injury, and it can come from fatty liver disease, alcohol, viral hepatitis or medicines that can be hard on the liver. Fatty liver can be more common with PCOS, insulin resistance and after menopause. Healthy ALT can run lower in women than in men, so even a borderline result may be worth a closer look. Heavy exercise can raise ALT for a short time too. Tiredness or pain in the upper right belly can happen, but many people may feel fine.
Low ALT: what it may mean
Low ALT may be harmless, and it can occasionally reflect low vitamin B6 or low muscle mass. Healthy levels can run lower in women than in men, so a result near the bottom of the range may mean little. A low value can't rule out liver trouble, because ALT can look normal even when fatty liver is present. People on long-term kidney dialysis can also have low readings. A low result may cause no symptoms by itself, and a clinician can read it with your other liver tests.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.