alt rise

[Lena2011]

morning, can anybody help I’ve just had results for bloods last week and my alt has a little rise is this something to worry about? I can’t speak with a doctor for 2 weeks and my mind is doing over time with worrie!

[gwillistexas]

mine runs 13-15. High normal in my lab is 35

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

Most labs use normal range as 7-55. Look at what your lab uses as their normal range, first of all. If the ALT continues to be elevated, it can be from many things.... even your age or your sex. The important thing is that you talk with your doctor. Can you send the office an message sooner? If you are in the states, do you have MyChart to communicate with the office? Have you ever had a Fibroscan done? This might be a helpful tool for some to see the liver. Hard not to worry, I know, but just keep telling yourself worrying doesn't change anything. Let us know, please.

[gwillistexas in reply to DonnaBoll]

My alt is sgpt which is serum. But my lab range is the same through my hospital lab and my internist. So I’m not sure where the difference is in the range.

[Lena2011 in reply to DonnaBoll]

Yes says normal range 35!!! Since I’ve had pbc my alt and alp have never got too normal level the alp is comeing down slowing so was the alt but this week it’s had that rise from the last blood test!!! I had a fibro scan last year was 6.9!! I’m in the uk have called and said that’s the only appointment there is to speak with gp!!thank yous for reply!

[gwillistexas in reply to Lena2011]

You’re welcome. I wish you could see your dr sooner. I wish you the best. Let us hear.

[Biddyb]

you could call PBC foundation and they may be able to help. Or call your hepatology nurse/consultants secretary they are also helpful. My ALT has been yo-yoing for at least 15 years since diagnosis no one seems to know why, the scale on my chart range is between 0-40 I’ve been in the hundreds and now down to 19 which is crazy. I’m in the UK so hope you can get to talk to someone soon. Easy to say but try not to worry it will get you nowhere. Good luck

[Lena2011 in reply to Biddyb]

Thank you I have emailed them x

[butterflyEi]

I have kept a record of my blood test results since 2005 and my ALT has fluctuated. My UK lab range is 7-35.

I understand that fluctuations can also occur because of the menstrual cycle and of course some supplements such as iron can cause elevations. Following a blood test with raised enzymes the doctor told me to stop eating so much red meat so I guess that also impacts on readings. I had probably had red meat for dinner the night before so it is amazing how our food choices show up in our bloods.

Most important to remember it is only one of tests which build the picture for the doctor.

When you had your fibroscan had you been asked to fast for at least 3 hours beforehand. This makes a difference to your results. My hospital do not ask for any preparation however I have learned since that other hospitals require fasting. I have taken the following from the Birmingham Liver Clinic. "Preparation for a Fibroscan is minimal, but it is usually recommended to avoid eating or drinking for at least two to three hours before the test. Fasting helps ensure accurate readings by minimising interference from food and liquids. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the upper abdomen, as the probe will be placed on the skin over the liver area. Our team will provide full instructions before your appointment to ensure you are prepared and comfortable. "

Was your fibroscan done after fasting? I was fortunate my first and only fibroscan was offered last year, I had not had breakfast and my fibroscan was 5.8. If you search for a fibroscan liver chart I think it will ease your mind about your result.

Please do try not to stress as this also is not good for us. I hope the above is of some comfort to you.

[Lena2011 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you so much the week I had the bloods done I did have a couple of red meat dinners so that could make sense! That is interesting on the fibro scan as I wasn’t told too fast or anything I have one comeing up in June so I will take this advise on that thank you very much for her reply x