Is ALT normally tested with LFT/Liver blood tests?

[Shoe2]

I had LFTs/ liver blood tests done but no ALT included. Is this normal or should it be ordered additionally? Thanks

[AyrshireK]

Are you sure ALT is missing? It is usually one of the standard liver tests - it is normally listed as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) giving it it's fully title. ALT is more liver specific than AST which sometimes is missed off and not always tested. AST is :- Aspartate aminotransferase.

Katie

[Shoe2 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie. Mine has Serum globulin, Serum total protein, Serum Albumin, Serum total bilirubin, Total Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), AST serum level and Serum gamma GT.

I was looking back over tests a dietician I was referred to by gastroenterologist thinks my GI symptoms could be Bile Acid Malabsorption.

Thanks

[AyrshireK in reply to Shoe2]

Unusual they've not done ALT as it is one of the main liver ones.

[Shoe2 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks. I will ask GP to run that test also. Just to be sure in case it indicates liver function problems that may explain low bile and my digestive issues as CT scan said no dilated or blocked bile ducts.

[MINTVCX]

Both ALT and AST are considered to be standard LFT. Both can be used to calculated FIB-4 which is better to check liver than alone ALT. Of course is not enough but a good star point (especially in NALFD).

I think is an old attitude to test only ALT and if normal to say it is ok.

[Geodesic2024 in reply to MINTVCX]

In the UK now in my experience GPs (and hospital consultants) will generally order ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) but not AST (aspartate aminotransferase), as well as bilirubin, GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) and albumin, globulin and the sum of these = total protein. AST may be added as well but less common these days it seems.

[daveyboixx]

I haven't had ALT included on any of my most previous LFT's also.

[Geodesic2024 in reply to daveyboixx]

That's very unusual - ALT is the one most associated with fatty liver.

[Shoe2]

I asked my GP today. He said AST is normal in LFT and ALT only run if AST shows to be high !

[Geodesic2024 in reply to Shoe2]

Other way around I think you'll find, certainly in UK!