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Hello, I've Always Been Healthy And Had Normal AST And
Question: Hello, I've always been healthy and had normal AST and ALT levels. However, I went through a separation and starting drinking heavily. I have since slowed down quite a bit and only drink very light beer (miller 64 with 2.8 alcohol content). My last test had my ALT at 45 and I'm worried. What are your suggestions doctor? BTW, I have since reconciled with my husband and things are great!
Brief Answer:
it is within normal range
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re any changes in liver function test.
The normal range of blood tests can vary slightly from one lab to the next. Medscape professional medical website state that the normal level of ALT is 20 to 60 IU/L, some medical labs more quote slight different ranges such as 7 to 56.
This means that your ALT of 45 is within normal range unless your lab has a slightly different range of normal values.
The value is not at a danger level. In general they are considered at danger level if there are more than 2 to 5 times the upper limit at least.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
it is within normal range
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned re any changes in liver function test.
The normal range of blood tests can vary slightly from one lab to the next. Medscape professional medical website state that the normal level of ALT is 20 to 60 IU/L, some medical labs more quote slight different ranges such as 7 to 56.
This means that your ALT of 45 is within normal range unless your lab has a slightly different range of normal values.
The value is not at a danger level. In general they are considered at danger level if there are more than 2 to 5 times the upper limit at least.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor. Our lab, Quest Diagnostics is very conservative and list a range of 6-29 u/l. I wonder why labs have varying ranges?
Brief Answer:
due to different techniques, reagents and machine used
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is due to slight changes in the techniques, solutions/reagents and lab machinery used.
At 45, your value is still less than twice the upper limit but it is understandable to be worried about any deviation.
In most cases, the complete liver profile is done and this was likely done for you, if all of the other liver parameters are normal or only mildly elevated, then your doctor may only monitor (repeat the test in 3 to 6 months).
If there is a significant change in the other liver enzymes ,then imaging may be done eg an ultrasound.
Please feel free to ask anything else
due to different techniques, reagents and machine used
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is due to slight changes in the techniques, solutions/reagents and lab machinery used.
At 45, your value is still less than twice the upper limit but it is understandable to be worried about any deviation.
In most cases, the complete liver profile is done and this was likely done for you, if all of the other liver parameters are normal or only mildly elevated, then your doctor may only monitor (repeat the test in 3 to 6 months).
If there is a significant change in the other liver enzymes ,then imaging may be done eg an ultrasound.
Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again Doctor. Last question - is it possible to lower the AST levels now that my drinking has been significantly reduced?
Brief Answer:
can improve
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, definitely. The levels can improve in most persons once alcohol intake has been reduced.
Earlier , in the first question, you mentioned ALT of 45 but just now mentioned AST. They are two different liver enzymes. If Quest diagnostics is the lab that you used then the range for AST is 10 to 35, it slightly different than the ALT.
can improve
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, definitely. The levels can improve in most persons once alcohol intake has been reduced.
Earlier , in the first question, you mentioned ALT of 45 but just now mentioned AST. They are two different liver enzymes. If Quest diagnostics is the lab that you used then the range for AST is 10 to 35, it slightly different than the ALT.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My mistake, I was referring to ALT. Great news too. What does Quest use as a range for ALT?
Brief Answer:
6 to 29 as you mentioned earlier
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply.
I wanted to clarify if you meant ALT or AST, since both were mentioned at some point. The ALT range is as you mentioned, 6 to 29, the AST range is 10 to 35.
I hope this clears this up for you.
If there are any other queries, can let me know
6 to 29 as you mentioned earlier
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply.
I wanted to clarify if you meant ALT or AST, since both were mentioned at some point. The ALT range is as you mentioned, 6 to 29, the AST range is 10 to 35.
I hope this clears this up for you.
If there are any other queries, can let me know
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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