Do you know anyone who may know something about this?
Many thanks.
Best regards,
ALT (Alanine Transferase)
Increase in serum ALT is primarily associated with liver damage. Red blood cells and striated muscle cells contain small amounts of ALT and damage to these may cause relatively minor increases in serum ALT, as may exercise.
Liver cells (hepatocytes) contain substantial amounts of ALT, and when damaged, the ALT leaks out of the cells and into the blood. Increases of three, or more times normal indicate hepatocellular leakage but do not always signify primary or irreversible liver disease.
You can see normal ALT levels in various types of liver disease. You can see significantly elevated ALT in other sorts of liver disease.
In short, elevated ALT says to the clinician that something may be going on with the liver. You run other tests, consider the history and presenting symptoms and physical exam, and make further determinations as to the relevance of an increased serum ALT.
ONCE AGAIN, THIS INFO IS APPLICABLE TO DOGS AND CATS. I am not a human doctor and don't pretend to be. I don't know the relevance of increased serum ALT in the human.
I'm guessing the Red Cross is using basic screening modalities to try to keep the blood supply as safe as possible. I assume that's what they were doing when they sent you that letter years ago. I have no way of knowing why they've apparently reversed their position on potential donors who had an elevated ALT in the past. It might be worth it to you to contact them and ask them about it.