# ALT levels alone cannot diagnose liver disease, doctors say 2026-08-08T19:45:12+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet ALT is an enzyme inside liver cells that leaks into blood when the liver is damaged, making it an early marker of liver injury. But The Hindu reports that doctors warn ALT must never be read in isolation, normal levels can hide advanced cirrhosis, and elevated ALT can come from muscles or heart, not just the liver. The test is part of standard health check-ups, and once-yearly screening suffices for most adults. Experts say people with obesity, diabetes or viral hepatitis need regular evaluation because the liver can stay silent even while suffering ongoing damage. An abnormal ALT is not a diagnosis but a signal for further investigation. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: ALT testing, hepatitis, India health, liver disease, MASLD, screening guidelines Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/alt-levels-alone-cannot-diagnose-liver-disease-doctors-say/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/alt-levels-alone-cannot-diagnose-liver-disease-doctors-say/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.