Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Unit Converter

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in your liver, with smaller amounts in your kidneys, heart, and muscles. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism, helping convert alanine into pyruvate, which your body uses for energy.

ALT is also known as SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase). When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into your bloodstream, making it a useful marker for detecting liver problems.

ALT is often measured alongside AST (aspartate aminotransferase) as part of a liver panel. Because ALT is more concentrated in the liver than AST, it is considered more specific for liver-related issues.

ALT is produced primarily in the liver, where concentrations are about 3000 times higher than in blood. Smaller amounts are found in the kidneys, heart, skeletal muscles, and pancreas.