SGOT and SGPT Test: What They Reveal About Your Liver Health

SGOT and SGPT Test: What They Reveal About Your Liver Health

• Category: Health Awareness
• Date 01-07-2025

The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs intense work daily, from filtering toxins and aiding digestion to storing nutrients and breaking down medications. But how to determine if your liver is working fine? And this is when your SGOT and SGPT tests come in.

In this blog, we will discuss SGOT and SGPT in detail, their importance, identify causes of high SGPT and SGOT, and how to regulate them. Be it just a routine liver function test (SGOT, SGPT) or a matter of symptoms explored, this guide will surely have everything you want to know.

What is meant by SGOT and SGPT?

SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase) and SGPT (Serum Glutamate-Pyruvate Transaminase) are enzymes primarily present in the liver cells. SGOT is also present in the heart and muscles, and SGPT is more specific to the liver. These enzymes help with amino acid metabolism, and they get released into the bloodstream when the liver cells are damaged.

Thus, SGOT and SGPT are parameters of the liver function being investigated by doctors to assess liver health, identify injury/inflammation, and monitor treatment.

Why are SGOT and SGPT Tests Important?

These enzyme levels give clues about your health:

Liver Health Check: Elevated levels often point to liver issues such as hepatitis, fatty liver or cirrhosis.

Detect Hidden Conditions: High SGOT may also signal heart or muscle problems.

Evaluate Medications: Some drugs can harm the liver; SGOT and SGPT testing help make sure treatment is safe.

Track Lifestyle Impact: Diet, alcohol and exercise habits directly influence liver enzyme levels.

SGPT SGOT test procedure

The SGPT SGOT test is a simple blood test. A technician will take your blood from a vein in your arm and send it to the laboratory. The report is normally expressed in units/liter (U/L) per blood.

Normal Ranges
SGOT(AST): 5 to 40 U/L

SGPT(ALT): 7 to 56 U/L

Bear in mind that a few slightly different values can come up, depending on the laboratory used and the methodology employed.

Danger Level of SGPT and SGOT

Now, what danger level is presented by SGPT and SGOT? Still, for a general guide:
Mild Elevation (Up to 2x Normal): Caused by muscle injury, exercise, or fatty liver.
Moderate Elevation (2 to 5x Normal): Considers alcohol-related liver disease or hepatitis as causes.
Severe Elevation (More than 5x normal): Major liver damage like cirrhosis or acute hepatitis, or liver toxicity.

In case of extreme elevation, you must immediately consult an expert to find the genesis of the problem.

High SGPT And SGOT Causes

There are many causes of high SGPT and SGOT, including:

1. Diseases of the liver

Hepatitis A, B, or C
Cirrhosis
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Alcoholic liver disease

2. Side Effects of Drug Therapy

Painkillers (such as acetaminophen)
Antibiotics
Anti-seizure medications

3. Lifestyle Factors

Heavy alcohol use
Obesity
Bad diet
Sedentary lifestyle

4. Other Health Issues

Heart attack
Muscle injuries
Diseases of the gallbladder
Pancreatitis

The exact identification of the causes of high SGPT and SGOT would help in providing proper treatment for the disorder.

How To Lower High SGPT And SGOT Levels?

If your test result shows elevation, here is what you can do to lower it:

Avoid Alcohol: Major contributor to increased levels of liver enzymes.

Eat Liver-Friendly Foods: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains should be included in your diet.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps in keeping the liver function clean.

Good Water Intake: Sufficient water aids in flushing out all toxins from the body.

Quit Smoking: Tobacco toxins also impact liver health.

Medication Monitoring: Do not take any medications except under medical supervision, especially if you have any liver-related conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are SGOT & SGPT Liver Function Tests?

No, they are part of liver function tests. A complete liver panel includes bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and other markers besides SGOT and SGPT.

2. Should I Fast Before SGOT & SGPT Tests?

In general, fasting is not required for SGOT/SGPT tests. Your doctor may instruct you to fast if you are also having a full liver function test; in that case, always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

3. What If My SGOT And SGPT Levels Are High?

High levels mean that the liver is under stress or damage. Further tests are suggested by your doctor, such as an abdominal ultrasound, hepatitis panel, or MRI, to search for the exact cause. Depending on the severity, treatment may include lifestyle modification, medication, and possibly more testing.

Take Control of Your Liver Health with Lifetron Hospital!

In case you've been suffering from fatigue or showing signs of jaundice, abdominal pain or any of the other signs or just want to check on the health of the liver, book an appointment with Lifetron Hospital for testing your SGPT and SGOT. Advanced diagnostics, highly experienced doctors, and personalized care plans ensure accurate insights and timely treatment. 

Book your liver function test now. Call us or book Online at our website.