CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The ALT is a cellular enzyme, found in highest concentration in liver and
kidney.
High levels are observed in hepatic disease like hepatitis, diseases of
muscles and traumatisms, its better application is in the diagnosis of the
diseases of the liver.
When they are used in conjunction with AST aid in the diagnosis of infarcts
in the myocardium, since the value of the ALT stays within the normal
limits in the presence of elevated levels of AST1,4,5.
Clinical diagnosis should not be made on a single test result; it should
integrate clinical and other laboratory data.
STORAGE AND STABILITY
All the components of the kit are stable until the expiration date on the
label when stored tightly closed at 2-8ºC, protected from light and
contaminations prevented during their use.
Do not use reagents over the expiration date.
Signs of reagent deterioration:
- Presence of particles and turbidity.
- Blank absorbance (A) at 340 nm 1,00.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Spectrophotometer or colorimeter measuring at 340 nm.
- Thermostatic bath at 25ºC, 30ºC ó 37º C (± 0,1ºC).
- Matched cuvettes 1,0 cm light path.
- General laboratory equipment.
QUALITY CONTROL
Control sera are recommended to monitor the performance of assay procedures:
SPINTROL H Normal and Pathologic (Ref. 1002120 and 1002210).
If control values are found outside the defined range, check the instrument,
reagents and technique for problems.
Each laboratory should establish its own Quality Control scheme and corrective
actions if controls do not meet the acceptable tolerances.
INTERFERENCES
Anticoagulants currently in use like heparin, EDTA, oxalate and fluoride do not
affect the results. Hemolysis interferes with the assay1.
A list of drugs and other interfering substances with ALT determination has been
reported2,3.
