ALT blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is an enzyme that sits mostly inside liver cells, where it helps process amino acids. Small amounts in the blood are normal. When liver cells are inflamed or injured, more ALT is released, so a raised level is one of the most widely used signs that the liver is under strain.

Common reasons for a raised ALT in the UK include fatty liver linked to weight and blood sugar (often called MASLD, previously NAFLD), alcohol, viral hepatitis and some medicines or supplements. Hard exercise can also nudge ALT upwards because small amounts are found in muscle. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You drink alcohol regularly and want to check how your liver is coping.
• You are carrying extra weight around the middle or have type 2 diabetes, both linked to fatty liver.
• You take a medicine, such as a statin or some acne or epilepsy treatments, that your prescriber has asked you to monitor.
• You use herbal remedies, bodybuilding products or high-dose supplements and want a liver check.
• Your GP found a raised ALT before and you want to see whether it has changed.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your ALT with the laboratory reference range. A mildly raised ALT is common and often relates to weight, alcohol, recent exercise or medicines, and frequently improves with lifestyle changes. Higher levels, or a level that stays raised on repeat testing, need further assessment, which may include other liver tests, a hepatitis screen or an ultrasound through your GP.

ALT alone does not show how well the liver is working overall or whether there is scarring. It is a marker of irritation and is best read alongside other liver markers. Any value outside the range is something to talk over, rather than a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed for ALT on its own. For the clearest picture, avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours and strenuous exercise, such as heavy weights or long runs, for a day or two before your sample. Keep taking prescribed medicines and tell us what you take, including herbal products.

ALT is usually most useful as part of a set, and our Liver Function Check adds other key liver markers. For a broader picture of health, Omnia Essential includes ALT alongside kidney, cholesterol and blood count markers. Or see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an ALT blood test in Chiswick?

An ALT blood test costs £59 at Omnia. The price covers the sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between ALT and AST?

Both are liver enzymes, but ALT is more specific to the liver, while AST is also found in muscle and the heart. The two are often compared to help understand the likely cause of a raised result.

Can exercise raise ALT?

Yes. Intense or unaccustomed exercise can raise ALT and AST for a few days, so it is best to avoid heavy training before your test.

Does a normal ALT mean my liver is healthy?

It is reassuring, but ALT can be normal even when there is some liver scarring. If you have risk factors, your practitioner may suggest other tests, such as a fibrosis score.