Lab comparison
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT): Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 823 | 0147-9 | |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | 1 mL serum | Serum (preferred) or plasma | 1 mL SST Tube |
| Patient prep | The assay manufacturer, Beckman Coulter, warns that patients treated with sulfasalazine may generate false low results for ALT. | The assay manufacturer, Beckman Coulter, warns that patients treated with sulfasalazine may generate false low results for ALT. | The assay manufacturer, Beckman Coulter, warns that patients treated with sulfasalazine may generate false low results for ALT. |
| Minimum volume | Minimum volume 0.5 mL | Minimum Volume 0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) is 823.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)?
LabCorp uses a Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT).
Does Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) require fasting?
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) patient prep: The assay manufacturer, Beckman Coulter, warns that patients treated with sulfasalazine may generate false low results for ALT.. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
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