What is an Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) test?
The SGOT test is a blood test used to evaluate the liver. It detects serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, one of the liver enzymes. This enzyme is now commonly known as AST (aspartate aminotransferase). SGOT (or AST) test determines the amount of the liver enzyme in the blood.
What is Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) test use?
SGOT test may be done to assist your doctor in diagnosing liver damage or illness. When liver cells are destroyed, SGOT seeps into the bloodstream, boosting the quantity of this enzyme in the blood.
- The test assesses liver health in individuals with liver-related disorders like hepatitis C.
- SGOT levels can be elevated due to injuries in the kidneys, muscles, heart attack, or brain.
- ALT test, part of a liver profile, detects liver enzyme levels. ALT is more concentrated in the liver than SGOT and is a better predictor of liver damage.
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The SGOT test is a normal blood test. It does not require any special preparation. Still, there are a couple of steps you can take to make the process easier.
Avoid taking any over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), before the test. If you do take them, make sure to notify your doctor. Before the test, inform your doctor about all of the drugs you're taking so that they can account for them when reviewing the findings.
Furthermore, drink lots of water the night before the testing. Keeping hydrated can help your technician draw your blood more easily. Make sure you're wearing comfortable clothing that allows the technician to readily take blood from your forearm - preferably up to the elbow.
What happens during the SGOT test?
During the test the technician will wrap an elastic band around your arm and look for a healthy vein to utilize. They will then disinfect the region before drawing blood from the vein using a needle.
The blood will be drawn into a tiny vial in less than a minute. They'll then apply gauze to the area briefly before removing the elastic band and placing a bandage on top. You might have a little bruise but it goes away soon.
What are the risks of the SGOT test?
Having an SGOT test has no risks. Ensure you're well-hydrated the night before to avoid feeling light-headed or dizzy.
What does the findings imply?
If your SGOT test results are high, it implies that one of the organs or muscles harboring the enzyme has been damaged. This includes your liver, as well as your muscles, heart, brain, and kidneys. Your doctor may request more testing to rule out other possibilities.
An SGOT test's normal range is between 8 and 40 units per liter of serum. In general, men may have greater levels of AST in their blood. A score of more than 50 for males and 45 for women is considered high and may indicate harm.
The typical ranges may differ based on the technology utilized by the lab. The precise range of the lab will be indicated in the findings report.
Very high AST or ALT readings are indicative of diseases that cause serious liver damage. Here are some of the conditions:
- Acute viral hepatitis A or hepatitis B
- The collapse of the circulatory system
- Extensive liver damage caused by toxins, including an overdose of OTC medications like acetaminophen.
What to Expect Following the Test?
If your SGOT test results are uncertain, your doctor may recommend further testing. If they are specifically looking at your liver function or screening for liver damage, they may additionally request the following:
- Coagulation panel: This test assesses the capacity of your blood to clot and the function of clotting-factor proteins generated in the liver.
- Bilirubin testing: Bilirubin is a chemical and a byproduct of the liver's regular breakdown of red blood cells. It is usually excreted as bile.
- Glucose test: A malfunctioning liver might result in abnormally low glucose levels.
- Platelet count: A low platelet count may be indicative of liver illness.
All of these tests are blood tests that may be conducted as part of a full blood panel test (CBP). If your high AST levels are suspected to be caused by other organs or muscles, your doctor may request additional tests to determine the problem, such as a liver ultrasound.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
The SGOT test is primarily used to assess liver function and to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It can also be used to evaluate heart function and muscle damage.
The SGOT test is a normal blood test. A healthcare provider will use a needle to draw a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm. The blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
No, fasting is not necessary before the SGOT test. However, your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid certain medications, alcohol, and food for a few hours before the test.
The normal range for SGOT levels in the blood varies depending on the laboratory but typically ranges from 0 to 40 U/L. Elevated levels of SGOT may indicate liver damage or disease, heart attack, muscle injury, or other conditions.
The SGOT test is safe, and there are no risks associated with this test. However, slight bruising or bleeding may occur at the site where the needle was inserted, but it will go away soon.
No, the SGOT test must be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
No, the SGOT test and the SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) test are different tests that measure different enzymes in the blood.
Yes, the SGOT test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for liver disease. However, other tests such as the SGPT test and liver function tests, may also be used to monitor liver function and treatment.
The cost of the SGOT test varies from Rs. 60 to Rs. 120 approximately.
You can get the SGOT test at Medicover Hospitals.
