SGPT

Also known as Alanine aminotransferase, Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, ALT, Alanine Transaminase

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding SGPT

What is SGPT?

An SGPT test measures the amount of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) enzyme in the blood. This test helps detect liver diseases, such as jaundice, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc. It may be done as part of a routine health checkup or liver function test to detect possible liver damage or disease.

SGPT, also known as alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme produced by the liver and has various functions. When the liver is damaged or inflamed due to certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors, it releases the enzyme ALT into the bloodstream. The SGPT/ALT test measures the level of this enzyme in your blood. Apart from the liver, ALT is also found in other parts of the body, such as the kidneys.

An SGPT/ALT test may be done if you experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, itching, and the yellowing of the skin and eyes (symptoms of jaundice). This test may also help to monitor any ongoing liver disorders or evaluate the side effects of certain medicines affecting liver health and function; however, it does not tell the extent of liver damage. Usually, no special preparation is required for an SGPT/ALT test. You may eat and drink normally as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your liver health and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is SGPT used for?

An SGPT is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
As part of a liver function test.
To help detect liver diseases, such as jaundice, liver cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To monitor an existing liver disease and its treatment response.
To help detect liver damage due to medicines like erythromycin, amiodarone, methyldopa, or amoxicillin-clavulanate.
To evaluate liver health in conditions such as hepatitis infection.
To check liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption.

What does SGPT measure?

An SGPT test measures the amount of ALT or SGPT enzyme in your blood. ALT is most abundantly found in the liver, but it is also present in smaller amounts in other organs like the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Its primary function is to convert food into energy. It also speeds up chemical reactions in the body. These chemical reactions include the production of bile and substances that help your blood clot, break down food and toxins, and fight off an infection.

Elevated levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage or injury. When the liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, causing an increase in ALT levels. Therefore, the SGPT/ALT test is primarily used to assess the health of the liver and to detect liver-related problems such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or other liver disorders.

Interpreting SGPT results

Interpretations

ALT (SGPT), Serum < 50 U/L

The reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Very high ALT levels (more than 10 times normal) are usually due to acute hepatitis which is generally caused due to a viral infection
High ALT levels (four times normal) may be seen in chronic hepatitis, obstruction of bile ducts, or cirrhosis
In most liver diseases, the ALT level is higher than AST and the AST/ALT ratio will be low (less than 1). The AST/ALT ratio is greater than 1 in alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, heart or muscle injury
ALT is more specific than AST for liver disease

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SGPT

Frequently Asked Questions about SGPT

Q. What does an SGPT test indicate?

An SGPT or ALT test indicates the health of your liver by measuring the amount of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme in your blood, as abnormal levels of SGPT may be suggestive of liver damage.

Q. Is fasting required before an SGPT test?

No, fasting is not required before an SGPT test. You can eat or drink normally before the test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with an SGPT test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked to collect a blood sample and may also experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms associated with abnormal ALT levels?

Symptoms associated with abnormal ALT levels are yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, easy bruising, loss of appetite, itching, stomach pain, and fatigue.

Q. What happens if my ALT level is high?

If your test result shows high levels of ALT enzyme, it might be a sign of liver disorders, such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, alcohol-induced liver injury, and liver cancer.

Q. How can I manage my ALT levels naturally?

You must consult your doctor if your test results show abnormal ALT levels. However, some dietary interventions and healthy lifestyle choices can help manage your ALT levels. You can eat nutrient-rich, plant-based food as it keeps your liver healthy. Avoid too much salt or sodium-rich food, and oily and processed food. Also, limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking to improve your ALT levels naturally.

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