SGPT Test Price, Reasons, Procedure, Normal Range

The SGPT test is a blood test done to measure an enzyme made in the liver called Alanine Transaminase (ALT).

The ALT enzyme was previously known as Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT). ALT is measured to check for any liver damage or spread of disease. It is normal to find a low level of ALT in the blood. However, a higher level of ALT is released when the liver is damaged or shows signs of underlying disease.

The liver is an important organ. It performs many important functions including removing harmful toxins from the blood, helping in the digestion of food by secreting a substance called bile and producing energy in the body.

A group of tests called liver function tests (LFTs) are commonly used for early diagnosis, comprehensive assessment, and proper monitoring of liver dysfunction or damage. Most importantly, one of the LFT enzymes is serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), also known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is normally found in higher concentrations in the liver. It is also present in small amounts in the kidney, muscle, and heart cells.

Damage to liver cells results in an increased concentration of SGPT in the bloodstream and therefore increased levels of SGPT in the blood may indicate liver dysfunction.

SGPT test is done to screen, detect and monitor liver diseases; As a part of routine check-ups during hospitalization; or before surgery.

The test is also useful in monitoring the safety of certain drugs, such as those used to treat tuberculosis, pain medications, and some antibiotics.

The SGPT test is usually combined with other LFTs such as serum bilirubin and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase to check for liver damage.

Indicative symptoms of liver damage include:-

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• weakness
• fatigue
• stomach ache
• abdominal swelling (ascites)
• dark colored urine
• light-colored stools
• unusual itching or pruritus

In many patients, liver damage may also be asymptomatic.

The SGPT test may also be ordered by the doctor in individuals who are at a high risk of developing liver dysfunction such as:-

• History of hepatitis infection in the past.
• Family member with liver dysfunction.
• People are on drugs that damage liver cells.
• Alcoholics (heavy drinkers)
• Person with diabetes
• Fat people

No special precautions or preparations are required for this test. If you have been advised of additional blood tests, you should discuss with the doctor whether any precautions like fasting are required or not.

The SGPT is a simple blood test in which a lab technician withdraws a sample from a vein using a sterile needle. The sample is then transferred to a test tube. The process usually takes about 5-10 minutes. You may experience slight pain at the injection site for some time. If this pain or discomfort persists, then the doctor has to be informed.

The SGPT test measures the level of the enzyme SGPT in the blood, usually measured in units per liter (U/L).

Normal Result

The normal value of SGPT in blood for an adult is 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L). (The normal range may vary slightly from different lab to lab).

If the SGPT test results are normal, the doctor may recommend further tests to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Abnormal Result

Although high levels of SGPT may indicate liver damage or injury, the SGPT test is not used to diagnose any specific liver disease. Specific liver diseases can be diagnosed with further blood tests or radiological tests.

An increased level of SGPT can be seen in the following conditions:-

• acute liver damage caused by toxins, infections, or certain drugs
• Hepatitis (infection by the hepatitis virus)
• liver cirrhosis (usually as a result of alcoholism or hepatitis)
• some medicines
• bile duct blockage
• heart damage
• muscle damage
• liver cancer

SGPT values may normally increase in the second trimester of normal pregnancy.

The SGPT test is usually evaluated along with other LFT results, and specific radiological tests or ultrasonography may be required for accurate diagnosis.