What Is Considered a High Liver Enzyme Count?

Whether a liver enzyme count is considered high depends on which of two main enzymes is tested, according to MedicineNet.. The enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, is high if the count exceeds 40 units per liter of serum, and alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, is high when it exceeds 56 units.

The protocol and techniques used cause the AST and ALT ranges to differ between laboratories, but the ranges used are typically printed on the lab report, notes MedicineNet. High liver enzyme counts do not automatically equate to liver disease, and they are considered one part of an overall evaluation of the patient. Also, if a patient is diagnosed with liver disease, AST and ALT levels cannot gauge the severity of the disease.

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