What is an SGPT Test or ALT Test?
Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) is a liver enzyme. ALT enzymes are usually released into the bloodstream when liver cells are destroyed. The SGPT test determines the level of ALT in the blood. High levels of SGPT in the blood may be a signal of liver problems even before you develop symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The SGPT test may be useful in early diagnosis of liver disease.
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Get A Second OpinionOther names for an SGPT test are:
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
- GPT
- Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase
What does an SGPT test measure?
The level of ALT in the blood is determined by an alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test. Although ALT levels in the blood might rise when the liver is damaged, healthcare providers frequently perform an ALT blood test to check the liver's health.
While many other forms of liver disease can cause ALT levels to rise, healthcare experts do not depend solely on this test to diagnose conditions. This blood test is commonly included in a panel of blood tests, such as a liver enzyme panel (HFP or LFT) or a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). A blood panel examines multiple characteristics of the blood with a single sample and can provide more detailed information about the overall health.
Who should get an SGPT test?
The SGPT test is commonly used to determine whether a person has liver damage or failure. If you have any of the following liver disease symptoms, the doctor may advise you to undergo an SGPT test.
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdomen pain
The SGPT test is usually performed in conjunction with other liver enzyme tests. Monitoring the values in conjunction with other liver enzyme levels can offer the doctor valuable and more precise information about liver disease. The test will be performed as part of a standard checkup or if someone has risk factors for liver disease, such as:
- Family history
- Heavy alcohol use
- Exposure to hepatitis
- Taking certain medications
- Diabetes
Other reasons to perform an SGPT test, include:
- Monitoring the progression of liver disease such as hepatitis or liver failure.
- Considering whether or not to begin therapy for liver illness.
- Assessing how well the treatment is performing.
What are the Preparations Needed For the SGPT Test?
The SGPT test does not necessitate any additional preparation. In any case, inform the doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Certain drugs may affect the levels of ALT in the blood. The doctor may advise you to refrain from taking certain medications for a while before the test.
What should I expect during the SGPT blood test?
During a blood test, one should expect the following:
- One will sit comfortably in the chair, and the healthcare expert will inspect the arms for an easily accessible vein. This is the inner part of the arm on the opposite side of the elbow.
- After locating a vein, doctors will clean and cleanse the area using an alcohol swab.
- Then they inject a little needle into the vein to obtain a blood sample. This could feel like a little pinch.
- They will collect the necessary amount of blood in a test tube after inserting the needle.
- When they have enough blood to test, doctors will withdraw the needle and apply a cotton ball or gauze to the wound to stop the bleeding.
- They will cover the pricked spot with a bandage, and the blood collection will be completed.
- This procedure takes just five minutes.
What should I expect after the SGPT blood test?
A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample and submit it for testing. When the test results are ready, the healthcare provider will inform you.
What are the risks of an SGPT blood test?
These blood tests are extremely common and pose no substantial risks. After the needle is put in, individuals may experience a mild sensation similar to an ant bite, and a small bruise may form.
What are normal SGPT results?
- For an SGPT blood test, the normal range is 13 to 69 U/L. (units per liter). Males have higher values than females.
- Because normal ranges differ depending on the laboratory, it's critical to review the test result report to determine the lab's reference range.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Avoid too much salt and sodium-rich foods. Include more colourful vegetables and fruits, as they are rich in antioxidants. Avoid oily, deep-fried, processed, and junk foods, aerated drinks, etc.
Blood SGPT levels are raised in the presence of liver injury (for example, viral hepatitis) or a heart attack. Several medications might potentially increase SGPT levels.
To reduce the SGPT level, diet modifications are needed. The daily diet should consist of at least one fruit containing vitamin D. Alternatively, you can stand out in the sunlight for at least 20 minutes per day to get vitamin D. Couple it with some exercises to help you stay healthy.
No, the SGPT test is not the only test used to diagnose liver disease. Other tests, such as SGOT, liver function, and imaging tests, may also be used.
The frequency of SGPT tests depends on your health situation and any underlying medical conditions. The doctor can recommend how often you should have the test done.
No, fasting is not required before an SGPT test.
Yes, alcohol consumption can increase SGPT levels and cause liver damage.
No, an SGPT test is not painful. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure when the needle is inserted, but most people do not experience any significant discomfort.
Eating a healthy diet may help to lower SGPT levels indirectly by reducing the risk of liver disease. However, a healthy diet alone may not be enough to lower SGPT levels.
The cost of SGPT in India varies from ₹ 60 to ₹ 120.
The normal range for SGPT (ALT) in adults is typically between 7 to 56 units per litre (U/L) of blood.
For females, the normal range of SGPT (ALT) is typically between 7 to 35 units per litre (U/L) of blood. For males, it's generally between 7 to 45 units per litre (U/L) of blood. These ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing method used.
Dangerously high levels of SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) are typically considered to be more than three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) for SGPT and more than twice the ULN for SGOT. Such elevations may indicate severe liver damage or acute liver injury, necessitating immediate medical attention and further diagnostic evaluation.
