Objective To explore the reference range of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in populations with exposure to occupational hazards, and to provide theoretical basis for the development of related hygienic standards.
Methods Occupational physical examination records of 2 023 workers exposed to occupational hazards having hepatotoxic potentials and ordered occupational health examinations in Institute of Occupational Health, Beijing Center for Diseases Prevention and Control from 1 January to 31 December 2013 were retrieved for retrospective analysis. Serum ALT was measured by automatic biochemistry analyzer. Liver and intrahepatic vascular diseases were detected by abdomen B-ultrasound examination. Then statistical analysis was applied.
Results The average serum ALT value was 18 U/L (17 U/L, 216 U/L) in the population, and there were significant differences among different genders and ages. Excluding those having organic liver diseases, the unilateral 95% range for male serum ALT value was 5.0-62.2 U/L, higher than the current standard (before 1 August 2013) (5-40 U/L). However, the positive rate of B-ultrasound examination in the male workers with serum ALT values within 41-60 U/L versus greater than 61 U/L was not significantly different.
Conclusion The reference range of serum ALT in the male occupational population may refer to the new standard publicized by Ministry of Health.
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