SGPT Test - Price, Normal Range, Results, Uses, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to SGPT Test

Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, also known as SGPT, is an enzyme found in the liver. The SGPT blood test measures the amount of enzymes in the blood. The SGPT level increases when liver cells are damaged, and the test helps determine the liver's condition.

SGPT/ALT is part of the liver function test. ALT, or Alanine Aminotransferase, is another name for SGPT. Besides the liver, the ALT is also found in other body parts such as kidneys. 

The test helps detect liver disease, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, etc. It can also be recommended as part of routine health checkups. However, doctors may recommend the SGPT ALT test if you are complaining of symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, and loss of appetite. 

The SGPT test will help to monitor liver health and functioning. If you are concerned about your liver health, you must consult your doctor. Based on your family history, clinical symptoms, and more, the doctor may advise you on the SGPT blood test. 

Trust Redcliffe Labs as your health partner to get the SGPT ALT test. The professionals here promise to provide you with 100% accurate reports along with the promise of timely reports delivered. 

SGPT Test details in brief

Purpose of the SGPT Test 

The purpose of the SGPT test is to assess the liver's health. The damaged liver can cause many health issues, but the test can help to identify potential health concerns. Here are the main purposes of the SGPT blood test- 

• Detecting liver damage- A high SGPT level can indicate liver damage caused by various conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. 
• Monitor liver disease- The SGPT ALT test helps to monitor the progression of existing liver disease and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
• Screen for liver problems- The SGPT test can be recommended as a routine blood test to screen liver problems, especially in people with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or heavy alcohol consumption. 
• Evaluate the cause of symptoms- If you notice symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, the SGPT test can help determine the cause.
• Monitor the effects of medications- Certain medications can cause liver damage. The SGPT ALT test can monitor liver function in people taking these medications.

What does the SGPT Test detect?

The SGPT test, also known as the serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) test, is a blood test used to assess liver health. It measures the level of an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the bloodstream. SGPT/ALT is the enzyme that helps the liver to function properly. ALT is found in the liver cells, and when the liver is damaged, ALT leaks into the blood. An SGPT test primarily detects liver damage. A high SGPT level can indicate damage caused by various conditions, such as:

• Hepatitis. 
• Cirrhosis 
• Fatty liver disease
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Cancer of the liver

Preparation for the SGPT Test

The SGPT test requires no or minimal preparation. Here is what you must follow:

No Fasting Required- Unlike blood tests, you don't need to fast before an SGPT blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Medications—Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements, as some can affect ALT levels. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications before the test.

General Recommendations- 

• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet

The procedure of the SGPT Test

The ALT test is a simple blood test, unlike other blood tests. Here is the complete procedure of the SGPT test-

Before the Test:

• A healthcare professional will tie a band on your arm to locate a suitable vein. They will clean the area with an antiseptic solution.
• After that, he inserts a thin needle into the vein and collects a blood sample in a vial. You may feel a momentary prick or pinch when the needle enters.
• Once enough blood is collected, the healthcare professional will remove the needle and apply pressure to the puncture site with gauze to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis to measure the ALT level.

What do the SGPT Test reports indicate?

The test results will be available within 12 hours of sample collection. Your doctor will interpret the results according to your medical history and any symptoms. Here's how to interpret the results:

The range for normal SGPT levels in serum is typically 7–56 units/liter. However, if the patient's blood test results for SGPT are greater than 56 units/liter, then booking a consultation with a doctor is good.

• Normal SGPT level—If your SGPT level falls within the normal range, it indicates healthy liver function. The normal range for the SGPT test is between 7 and 56 units/liter. 
• High SGPT level- If the range is above 56 units/liter, it indicates a high SGPT level, which means it may cause potential liver damage.

It is important to consult your reports with your doctors to understand what they mean for your health. 

What causes high SGPT levels?

The high SGPT levels indicate liver damage. Here are a few factors that contribute to high SGPT levels-

• Viral Hepatitis- Infections like hepatitis A, B, and C can cause high SGPT levels.
• Alcoholic Liver Disease- Excessive alcohol consumption damages liver cells and may lead to high SGPT levels.
• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)- Excessive fat in the liver or fatty liver can increase SGPT.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis- The immune system attacks the liver, which may cause inflammation and cause high SGPT.
• Drug Toxicity- Certain medications can be toxic to the liver and may raise SGPT levels.
• Fatty liver disease- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can contribute to elevated SGPT levels.
• Cirrhosis- Long-term liver damage may lead to cirrhosis and another disease 
• Muscle damage- The damage to muscle tissue can release SGPT in the blood. 
• Obesity- Excess weight or being overweight may contribute to fatty liver disease and cause high SGPT levels.
• Celiac disease- This autoimmune disorder affects the small intestine and can sometimes impact the liver, leading to high SGPT.
• Heart Attack- If you are at high risk of heart attack, this may also cause a temporary rise in SGPT.
• Pancreatitis- Inflammation of the pancreas can also cause SGPT levels to rise.

What happens when SGPT levels are high?

If SGPT levels are high in your blood, it indicates liver damage or injury. High SGPT causes may be cholecystitis, hepatitis, obesity, alcohol and drug abuse, and more. 

Consult your doctor about your condition and take the SGPT test. The early detection of liver problems is crucial for successful treatment and preventing further damage. High SGPT levels serve as an early warning sign, prompting an investigation into the underlying cause.

However, if your SGPT blood test results show high levels, your doctor will likely recommend further tests to pinpoint the cause. 

Your doctor may recommend some medications or lifestyle changes based on your condition. Some common approaches include:

• Treating the root cause- This could involve antiviral medications for hepatitis, lifestyle changes for fatty liver disease, or medication adjustments if drugs are causing the issue.
• Liver-protective medications can help support liver function and minimize further damage.
• Lifestyle modifications- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial for liver health. 

By addressing the underlying cause and making necessary lifestyle changes, you can work towards lowering your SGPT levels and supporting your overall liver health.

Are there risks associated with the SGPT Blood Test?

The SGPT test is a simple blood test with no or minimal risk. However, in some people, there might be some risks, including- 

• Pain or discomfort- During blood tests, you might feel a prick or sting when the needle is inserted, which may cause little pain.
• Bruising—A small bruise may form at the injection site, but this will normalize in a few days. 
• Bleeding- In rare cases, there might be slightly more bleeding than usual at the injection site. 
• Fainting- Some people might feel dizziness during blood draws. 
• Infection- There might be a small risk of infection at the injection site. Proper hygiene practices during the test minimize this risk.

If you have any concerns about the SGPT test or blood draws, discuss them with your doctor.

Who should take the SGPT Test?

Anyone can take the SGPT test, but certain people might be recommended for this test: 

• People with symptoms of liver problems
• People with a history of heavy alcohol consumption
• People with obesity or type 2 diabetes
• Those with a family history of liver disease
• People who have been exposed to hepatitis viruses
• People taking certain medications 
• People exposed to the Hepatitis virus
• People with liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis. 

What are the common symptoms related to abnormal SGPT levels?

High SGPT can cause noticeable symptoms. Here are some common symptoms that can be associated with abnormal SGPT levels:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Easy bruising or excessive bleeding
• Swelling in the legs
• Itchy skin

Discuss any concerns about your liver health, even if you don't experience any symptoms, with your doctor. Early detection and intervention can help to manage liver problems.

How do I control SGPT levels?

Many illnesses, like chronic hepatitis, celiac disease, and even diabetes, can occur due to the presence of high SGPT levels, so if your SGPT levels are high, you should be taking active measures to get them under control. Here are a few tips that you can follow to get the excessive SGPT levels under control:

• Eat your veggies—Vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce rising SGPT levels. You can include veggies like bell peppers, spinach, carrots, etc., in your regular diet.
• Avoid junk: Junk food is well known to be your health’s enemy. Keep away from those if you aim to reduce your SGPT levels because your liver is a key element in your body, and high SGPT levels directly affect your liver.
• Increase the Intake of Vitamin D—Vitamin D is known to avoid liver damage, and if you have high levels of SGPT, it is a boon for you. Include items like soy milk, mushrooms, oranges, and apples in your diet, as they contain vitamin D.
• Go for a Vegetarian Diet—Doctors recommend that you avoid meat-based food items if you have high SGPT levels. So avoid meat and try a healthy vegetarian diet. 

Remember, these tips include dietary changes, so you must consult with your health provider before you start implementing them. They will advise you on what diet is appropriate for you, looking into your medical history.

SGPT Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The SGPT test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 170. You can book your appointment using the Redcliffe Labs App or call us to book your test. With a wide network of doctors, phlebotomists, and 2000+ collection centers across PAN India, we are committed to serving every Indian and making a healthier Bharat. From routine tests to specialized genetic tests, we have 3600+ Lab tests to cover all your health diagnostic needs. Our labs are ISO-certified and NABL-accredited and follow standard procedures to create 100% accurate reports. We aim to make healthcare accessible to everyone across India. Besides, don't worry about the test prices; we offer affordable health checkups. Looking for an SGPT ALT test or other blood test? Choose Redcliffe Labs!

SGPT Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer SGPT Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Take the SGPT test to Understand Your Liver Health.

The SGPT, or serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, test provides crucial information about liver health. This vital organ filters toxins, processes nutrients and produces essential proteins. 

The SGPT ALT test measures SGPT levels, helping identify potential liver issues like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, potentially preventing serious complications. Identifying liver problems will enable us to take action early and potentially reverse damage or prevent progression. The SGPT test can be used to track the effectiveness of treatment for existing liver conditions.

Consult your doctor and take the SGPT test if you are not sure about the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend the SGPT ALT test with additional tests to identify the cause of symptoms and underlying conditions to determine if it's right for you. Moreover, you can include the SGPT test as part of your routine checkups and empower yourself to take a proactive approach to your well-being.