SGPT & SGOT Test: Normal Range, Levels, and What do They Indicate?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 23, 2022
Last Edit Made By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 18, 2024
The liver is a crucial organ in the human body, and is responsible for handling various metabolic functions in the body.
One of the most important roles of the liver is to detoxify the blood by processing different waste products in the hemoglobin. To conduct all of these functions properly, the liver produces and secretes several types of enzymes for optimal regulation.
SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) and SGPT (Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase) are two of the most common enzymes produced by the liver.
SGPT test, or Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, is a blood test that can be used to detect any liver problems. It is commonly used to measure the level of a specific enzyme called ALT (alanine aminotransferase), a specific enzyme that is released when the liver is damaged or inflamed.
If a patient has a high level of ALT, it may indicate that his liver has been damaged. However, if the results are at the SGOT test normal range then it is usually a sign that his liver is functioning properly.
Our liver partakes in several physiological functions. Experiencing vomiting, nausea, fatigue, leg swelling, jaundice, excessive bleeding or bruising could be an early sign of liver dysfunction. Don’t brush these alarming symptoms under the rug. Instead, consult a doctor and get tested without any delay. Make the right decision today for a healthier tomorrow.
In this article, we will explore more about SGPT, SGOT, and their significance in liver function. We will also discuss the test results, their interpretation, and what they mean for your liver health.
Table of Content
- What is SGPT and SGOT?
- What are the symptoms of elevated SGPT and SGOT levels?
- How is the SGPT/SGOT Blood test is Performed?
- What are normal levels of AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT)?
- What do Elevated SGPT and SGOT levels Indicate?
- Are SGPT and SGOT Indicative of Liver Disease only?
- How can I prepare for the SGPT/SGOT Blood test?
- Are there any risks associated with the SGPT/SGOT blood tests?
- What do the Abnormal Test results Indicate?
- What is the cost of the SGPT-SGOT Blood test in India?
- What is the Alarming Level of SGOT and SGPT?
- Takeaway
What is SGPT and SGOT?
SGPT and SGOT are two of the most common types of liver enzymes.
When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels of SGOT and SGPT in a blood test. As a result, these enzymes are commonly used as markers of liver function and can help diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Besides the liver, SGOT is found in the kidney, muscles, heart and even the brain. On the contrary, SGPT is predominantly found in the liver only.
Elevated levels of either of the enzymes can result from:
- SGOT levels can rise during liver complications, heart attacks or muscle injuries.
- SGPT levels can rise during liver diseases and damage to the tissues in the liver.
However, elevated levels of SGOT and SGPT can also be caused by other factors such as alcohol consumption, certain medications, or muscle damage.
The SGPT levels are more inclined towards determining liver diseases and damage due to its elevated levels.
What are the symptoms of elevated SGPT and SGOT levels?
If you see a doctor with the following symptoms SGOT and SGPT high symptoms, they might suggest undergoing the SGPT & SGOT tests.
However, in most cases, elevated SGOT and SGPT levels may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as -
- Constant feelings of fatigue and tiredness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bruising quickly
In more severe cases, liver disease can cause symptoms such as -
- Jaundice
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the leg
- Swelling in abdomen
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
Experiencing these symptoms is a warning sign that you need immediate medical intervention. If the test reports come back with high SGOT and SGPT levels, your doctor will move ahead with further testing or proceed with the treatment.
How is the SGPT/SGOT Blood test is Performed?
The SGPT test is performed by obtaining a blood sample from a vein in the arm. This sample is then analyzed by a qualified technician at a laboratory. A test report is then generated, which will provide the results in units per liter of blood.
The test results are useful in detecting liver diseases and in diagnosing hepatitis. It is also used in monitoring the effects of medicines that may damage the liver. It is a painless procedure and does not require special preparation.
Typically, the test can be performed within five minutes. Your doctor will prescribe getting an SGPT & SGOT test to analyze your liver function and rule out possible complications.
What are normal levels of AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT)?
The SGPT and SGOT test normal range are standard. However, the range can slightly vary, depending on the testing method in the laboratory.
- Normal SGOT levels - 5 to 40 units per liter of serum
- Normal SGPT levels - 7 to 56 units per liter of serum
If the blood test reports are drastically different than the normal range, it can signify potent complications in the body, especially with liver diseases and disorders.
Why is maintaining balanced SGPT & SGOT Levels crucial?
Balanced SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) levels are imperative as both enzymes act as health indicators of different organs. Having these enzymes within a healthy range indicates that your organs are working fine and are in tip-top shape. However, check the points below if you still want to know why they must be within a healthy range.
- Help Assess Your Liver Health: As a vital organ in the body, your liver is responsible for various purposes, from processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing proteins to regulating metabolic processes. Elevated SGPT or SGOT levels usually indicate a problem with it. Keeping track of these levels is essential to evaluate liver health, assess liver disease or damage and ensure early intervention to prevent further damage.
- Detects Various Health Issues Early: Abnormal SGPT or SGOT levels usually indicate liver disease, heart problems, muscle injuries, and other health conditions. Monitoring these enzymes helps detect these problems early, allowing prompt treatment and better disease management.
- Help You Make Better Health Choices: Excess of SGPT or SGOT levels usually occurs due to poor lifestyle or dietary choices. Knowing this imbalance enables one to switch to healthier choices that reduce their risk of liver & heart diseases.
- Aid Monitor Ongoing Treatment: If you are on any ongoing medicines for liver or heart problems, measuring these levels help assess the effectiveness of the treatment and allow adjustments (if required).
While elevated SGOT or SGPT levels indicate different health issues, it doesn't always specific to a medical condition; dietary choices or some medicines can also influence it. Therefore, proper evaluation is essential to diagnose the problem's cause and take charge accurately.
Role of routine health checkups in maintaining balanced SGPT or SGOT Levels:
Since SGPT or SGOT levels can be measured through routine blood or liver function tests, it allows for early detection of various health conditions. Routinely measuring their levels help one track the fluctuations in their levels, assess liver health, detect abnormalities (if any), and take charge as required before the complication strikes. Routinely measuring their levels empower you to take control of your health & make informed health decisions. So, in short, they are crucial. Whether you need to book an SGPT/ALT Test, SGOT/AST Test, Liver Function Test, or more, Redcliffe Labs is your trusted diagnostic partner. We provide the convenience of home sample collection and express slots to help you get your sample picked within 45 minutes.
What do Elevated SGPT and SGOT levels Indicate?
Since SGPT and SGOT are quintessential enzymes produced in the liver, it isn’t surprising that altered levels of these enzymes indicate signs of liver damage.
The high levels are often indicative of several underlying complications in the body such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
However, elevated SGPT and SGOT levels can also be caused by other factors such as certain medications, strenuous exercise, or muscle damage.
Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of elevated SGPT and SGOT levels. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes can also help to detect liver disease early and prevent long-term liver damage.
Are SGPT and SGOT Indicative of Liver Disease only?
As we mentioned, that isn’t the case at all. Lower or elevated SGPT and SGOT enzymes aren’t just tied with liver disease or liver function.
Sometimes, patients with elevated levels of these two enzymes have optimal liver function.
How can I prepare for the SGPT/SGOT Blood test?
The SGPT/SGOT blood tests are a part of the liver function test and are routine blood test that doesn’t require excessive prepping. The patients don’t have to fast or worry about the day when the blood is drawn.
However, for accurate results, we’d recommend discussing the medications you take. Since medications can alter the final reports, your doctor might advise getting the blood drawn before taking the medications.
The phlebotomist will collect the blood sample from the veins in your forearm after disinfecting the area. The collected sample is then sent for further testing to the laboratories.
Are there any risks associated with the SGPT/SGOT blood tests?
The SGPT/SGOT assessment in the body is done using a blood test. This means that the risks associated with these routine blood tests are very low and sometimes non-existent.
However, in very rare cases, some of the common risks might include:
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site
- Hematoma or clotted blood underneath the skin
- Feeling lightheaded
- Infection
What do the Abnormal Test results Indicate?
Abnormal SGPT-SGOT levels in the bloodstream can be indicative of several complications, including:
- Hepatitis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver tissue damage
- Liver cancer
- Tumor in the liver
- Obstructed blood flow to the liver
- Hemochromatosis or iron build-up in the bloodstream
- Mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus
- Pancreatitis
If you have lower SGPT-SGOT levels in the bloodstream, that indicates a healthy liver. Unlike other markers, a low level, in this case, doesn’t signify anything alarming.
How much does the SGOT-SGPT test cost?
The SGPT-SGOT test price in India starts from INR 170 each. You can choose Redcliffe Labs to get tested right from home and get accurate reports.
What is the Danger Level of SGOT and SGPT?
The normal levels of SGPT usually must lie between 7-56 units/liter of serum. However, if the level of SGPT shows more than 56 units/ liter in the patient's blood test, then that is referred to as an alarming level.
The normal level of SGOT usually must lie between 8-45 units/ liter of the serum. However, anything above 50 units/liter for men and above 45 units/ liter for women can be considered as alarming. The high levels of SGOT and SGPT often indicate severe underlying complications for the patients.
Follow Up Test to Check SGOT And SGPT Level
If you have previously got tested for SGPT and SGOT and have high SGPT and SGOT (serum levels, your doctor will recommend follow-up tests to monitor your liver health and know the cause of the high levels. Below are some specific follow-up tests based on the initial results of the patient's condition.
- Liver Function Test: This test checks the functioning of the liver and diagnoses liver diseases.
- Imaging tests: Depending on the initial results and clinical evaluation, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be recommended to assess the structure and condition of the liver and detect any abnormalities.
- Bilirubin test: The test is performed to check liver health, diagnose jaundice & liver diseases.
- Coagulation test: This test diagnoses blood clotting disorders and the functioning of clotting-related proteins produced in the liver.
Consult a healthcare expert to interpret the initial test results and determine the appropriate follow-up tests needed to further diagnose the cause of elevated SGPT and SGOT levels.
How to lower SGOT and SGPT levels?
High levels of SGPT indicate liver damage, so reducing the level is crucial. To lower SGPT and SGOT levels, you must follow the below tips:
- Increase Vitamin D In your diet: Vitamin D helps prevent liver damage and decrease the SGPT level. Orange, mushroom, soy milk, egg, dairy product, oyster, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
- Avoid alcohol and quit smoking: Reducing the alcohol intake and quitting smoking to lower SGPT and SGOT levels.
- Healthy diet: Follow a balanced and nutritious diet that supports liver health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Avoid junk food: Avoid consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.
- Weight management: If overweight or obese, lose weight through diet and exercise.
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, to improve liver functioning.
- Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water daily to support liver function and promote overall hydration.
Takeaway
SGPT and SGOT are key markers of liver function. If your doctor has prescribed these tests, it can indicate that they want to assess the state of your liver function along with other allied physiological functions.
Additionally, with the availability of online booking facilities, you can easily book your test from the comfort of your home with Redcliffe Labs to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Regular monitoring of liver enzymes can also help detect liver disease early and prevent long-term liver damage. Overall, taking care of your liver health is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.