ALT, alanine aminotransferase, also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; SGPT) – a key liver enzyme produced in liver cells. ALT is routinely monitored in HIVpositive people on ARVs to monitor liver toxicity from HIV drugs (or other medications). Increased ALT signals liver injury, but does not indicate how serious liver damage is.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
viral load test – a test that detects whether a virus is present (qualatitive) or that measures the amount of virus (quantitative).
This is usually in a sample of blood, but a viral load test can also be used to check viral levels in other samples including genital fluid, semen or spinal fluid.
Results are given as the number of copies of virus in a millilitre of blood (copies/mL).
capsid inhibitor – this is a new type of HIV drug that works at several different stages of the HIV lifecycle.
Lenacapavir is currently to only approved capsid inhibitor. The long-acting HIV med only needs to be given by subcutaneous injection every six months.
confirmatory test – a second test to double-check the results of a previous one. For example, if your viral load is usually undetectable and then becomes detectable, you need a second confirmatory test. This is to check that the detectable result was not a laboratory error on just a temporary blip.
autoantibody – abnormal antibodies produced against the body’s own tissues.