transaminases - Reflexions

transaminases

Transaminases are enzymes that play a role in cell metabolism. They are particularly active in liver cells.
The transaminase blood test is a routine analysis which shows how well the liver is functioning: if levels are too high, this can be a sign that the liver cells have been destroyed and that the enzymes have been released into the blood.
On blood test forms, the transaminases are given abbreviations
- SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) or AST (aspartate transaminase)
- SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) or ALAT (alanine transaminase)
Doctors also use the ALAT/ASAT ratio to better define the responsible affection.