How to prepare
No fasting is required for an ALT test. Drink water as normal.
Let your practitioner know about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you take regularly, as some can affect liver enzyme levels. Strenuous exercise before the test can also temporarily raise ALT, so avoid intense physical activity in the 24 hours beforehand if possible. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
After the test
Share your results with your GP or a relevant specialist. If your ALT is elevated, your practitioner may request additional tests such as AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, or a full liver function panel to build a clearer picture.
If your result is within the normal range but you have ongoing symptoms, your practitioner may investigate other causes.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Results are reported in units per litre (U/L). Reference ranges vary between laboratories, but for adults a typical range is around 7 to 56 U/L, and can differ between males and females.
Levels above the reference range may be associated with liver cell damage from conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, or certain medications. Mildly elevated ALT is relatively common and does not always indicate serious disease. Very high levels tend to prompt more urgent investigation.
A single result outside range is not a diagnosis on its own. Your practitioner will look at your ALT result alongside other liver markers, your symptoms, and your health history before recommending any next steps.
