Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes located in liver cells that leak out into circulating blood when liver cells are injured.

ALT and AST are found in other cells in the body, but their concentration is highest in liver cells. ALT and AST are also found in heart, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells. Statins, as well as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics or antiseizure medications can cause elevated liver enzymes. These enzymes are often monitored in patients who are taking these medications.

The elevated liver enzyme screening is a simple way for you to learn if your ALT/AST liver enzyme levels are in the desirable range, suggest possible liver damage, or suggest possible severe liver damage. You will want to share your results with your physician.

Male Liver Enzyme Levels

Desirable Range Possible Liver Damage Possible Severe Liver Damage ALT 10-40 U/L >120 U/L >200 U/L AST 15-40 U/L >120 U/L >200 U/L

 

Female Liver Enzyme Levels

Desirable Range Possible Liver Damage Possible Severe Liver Damage ALT 7-35 U/L >105 U/L >175 U/L AST 13- 35 U/L >105 U/L >175 U/L

AST/ALT Ratio* - AST/ALT >2.0 suggests possible liver damage (male or female)

1 Wu AHB, ed. Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: W.B. Saunders Company 2006

The AST/ALT liver enzyme ratio is calculated by dividing your AST result by your ALT result. Unlike your actual ALT and AST levels, this number does not have a “desirable range.” Rather, it is used by your physician to differentiate liver damage from other organ damage as well as to monitor the severity of liver conditions.

Consult your physician for details.

This screening is for anyone who is on a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin drug. ALT and AST enzymes are elevated in other conditions as well. Consult with your personal physician to see if you should be screened. Are you at risk? Find out.

The American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend monitoring ALT and AST levels in patients taking statins to lower cholesterol, initially to find out the baseline level, after 12 weeks of therapy, and then annually or more frequently if indicated. Your personal physician can determine how often you should be screened. 
  There is nothing you need to do in advance for the elevated liver enzyme screening. Unlike other finger-stick blood screenings, this one does not require fasting beforehand.

SIGN UP FOR AN ELEVATED LIVER ENZYME SCREENING TODAY.