Alanine Aminotransferase in Human Serum with Roche c502

Detection of Alanine Aminotransferase in Human Serum with Roche c502

Test Name: In vitro test for the quantitative determination of alanine aminotransferase in human serum and plasma on Roche/Hitachi cobas c systems.
Method Name: The catalytic activity of alanine aminotransferase determines the oxidation rate of NADH. It is determined by measuring the decrease in absorbance.
Results: Technical Range: 5-700 U/L
Reportable Range: 5.2-666.3 U/L
Reference Ranges: 15-60 U/L
Clinical Significance: The enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been widely reported as present in a variety of tissues.

The major source of ALT is the liver, which has led to the measurement of ALT activity for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Elevated serum ALT is found in hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, carcinoma of the liver, and chronic alcohol abuse. ALT is only slightly elevated in patients who have an uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

Although both serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT become elevated whenever disease processes affect liver cell integrity, ALT is the more liver specific enzyme. Moreover, elevations of ALT activity persist longer than elevations of AST activity.

In patients with vitamin B6 deficiency, serum aminotransferase activity may be decreased. The apparent reduction in aminotransferase activity may be related to decreased pyridoxal phosphate, the prosthetic group for aminotransferases, resulting in an increase in the ratio of apoenzyme to holoenzyme.

Submission Criteria: For specimen collection and preparation, only use suitable tubes or collection containers.
Only the specimens listed below were tested and found acceptable.
Serum
Plasma: Li-heparin and K2-EDTA plasma
Do not use fluoride plasma

The sample types listed were tested with a selection of sample collection tubes that were commercially available at the time of testing, therefore not all available tubes of all manufacturers were tested. Sample collection systems from various manufacturers may contain differing materials which could affect the test results in some cases.  When processing samples in primary tubes (sample collection systems), follow the instructions of the tube manufacturer. Separate the serum or plasma from the clot or cells promptly.
Storage and Stability:    >7 days at (-60°C) (-80°C)
7 days at 2-8°C
3 days at 15-25°C

Rejection Criteria: Rejection criteria include but are not limited to:
1. Specimens containing fibrin or clots.
2. Excessive platelet clumping
3. Leaking specimens
4. Substandard mixing or collection
5. Expired or improperly stored collection tubes.
6. Improperly filled tubes based on collection tube manufacturer’s guidelines.
7. Contaminated specimens (IV fluid, foreign particles, etc.)
8. Specimens not analyzed within the appropriate time frame.
9. Samples not shipped at appropriate temperature.
10. Samples without 2 proper identifiers or samples having identifiers that do not
match the electronic or paper lab requisition.
Authorization: Diagnostic testing can only be performed with approval from an authorized provider/agency.
Turn Around Time: 1 day.