SGPT Test - Full Form, Normal Range, Price, Purpose, Result

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body that manages a variety of metabolic processes and carries out all of the necessary bodily functions efficiently. The enzyme called SGPT (SGPT full form being serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase) is usually found in the liver cells. 

SGPT, also known as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), helps the liver perform some crucial functions, including detoxifying blood. It is circulated into the bloodstream in excess when the liver suffers an injury or gets damaged. The SGPT test is used to determine if someone is suffering from liver damage or failure.

In this article, you will learn about the SGPT test and all the other relevant details for your reference. 

The SGPT or ALT test is typically done along with other medical tests involving liver enzymes. The results can provide a doctor with useful and accurate information regarding liver diseases when monitored along with other liver enzyme levels. 

The test is performed as part of a routine examination or if a person has risk factors for liver diseases. The normal range for blood serum in SGPT tests is 7 to 55 U/L.

The standard set of liver function tests includes measuring the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time, international normalised ratio (INR), total protein, and albumin. 

Depending on the pattern of elevation, these tests can assist in organising a differential diagnosis and identifying the region of the liver where possible damage may be occurring. Besides, the purpose of the SGPT test includes:

1. Identifying Liver Diseases: The SGPT test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases such as hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune), fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

2. Medication Monitoring: Certain medications can cause liver toxicity. Regular SGPT testing is necessary to monitor liver function while on these medications.

3. Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, and the SGPT test can help assess the extent of the injury.

4. Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Function: If other liver function tests, such as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) or bilirubin, are abnormal, the SGPT test can provide additional information to identify the underlying cause.

5. Monitoring Treatment: For patients with known liver diseases, SGPT tests are performed regularly to assess the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression.

6. Health Screenings: In some cases, an SGPT test may be included as part of routine health screenings or pre-employment medical evaluations.

If you have concerns about your liver health or if your doctor suspects liver problems, they may recommend an SGPT test.

It is essential to follow your doctor's advice and get the appropriate tests done for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment if needed.

SGPT tests are usually carried out if a patient exhibits the symptoms of dark urine, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Although SGPT blood tests are performed as part of a group of liver function tests, there are several other benefits of their results:

1. It is also used to identify viral hepatitis and hepatic insufficiency.

2. It also helps determine whether the SGPT level is rising or constant, which allows your doctor to decide the course of treatment.  

3. Your doctor can learn more about the condition of your liver by comparing the levels of SGPT and SGOT in your blood.

The SGPT test, also known as the ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) test, is a simple blood test that typically does not require any special preparation.

However, to ensure accurate and reliable results, you may want to follow these general guidelines:

Some basic things that must always be taken into deep consideration for SGPT blood tests are:

Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver disease, that could impact the test results.

Medications: The doctor should constantly be updated about the medical history and the use of medications. You may be asked to discontinue the use of certain medications before taking the blood test.

Fasting: It is a non-fasting test, so there are no restrictions, and a person can eat or drink anything unless instructed otherwise.

Fasting Blood Glucose Test: If you are also scheduled for a fasting blood glucose test, you can do both tests together in the morning after an overnight fast.

Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as alcohol intake can influence liver enzyme levels. Similarly, limit caffeine intake, especially if it's a part of your usual morning routine, as it may affect blood test results.

Wear comfortable clothing: Loose-fitting clothing will allow easy access to your arm for blood collection.
Comfortable clothing can help you relax during the procedure and make the blood draw more efficient.

SGPT blood test does not require any extra preparation on your part. The general procedure for the SGPT test performed is as follows:

1. Your blood will be drawn by a nurse or lab technician, typically from a vein in your arm.

2. They will initially wrap a band over the top portion of your arm to cause a blood clot and vein swelling.

3. They insert a needle into your vein after using an antiseptic to disinfect the region. Your blood will be collected in a tube or vial.

It should simply take a few minutes to perform the blood test. A piece of gauze and a bandage will be placed over the area where the needle was inserted to stop the bleeding once the lab technician has removed the needle and band used to draw your blood.

Afterwards, the sample would be sent for testing. In approximately one day, you should receive your results. 

The person can get back to his/her normal routine after the procedure.

SGPT test is just one of the many liver function tests, and interpreting the results requires the expertise of a healthcare professional. 

It is a simple blood test for which you can get your test results within 48 hours. Following are the parameters of sgpt test.

Once the test results are available, your doctor will analyze them to determine the specific cause of the elevated SGPT levels. The diagnosis will guide the treatment plan.

The treatment plan after an SGPT test depends on the specific underlying cause of the elevated SGPT levels. Elevated SGPT levels can indicate liver damage or injury, but they do not provide a definitive diagnosis on their own.

Further evaluation and investigation are necessary to determine the root cause.

If your SGPT levels are elevated, your doctor will likely take the following steps to develop a treatment plan:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will review your medical history, including any medications you are taking, alcohol consumption, and any known pre-existing medical conditions.

   They will also perform a physical examination to assess your overall health.

2. Additional Tests: To identify the cause of elevated SGPT levels, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:

3. Liver Function Tests: This includes other liver enzymes (e.g., SGOT/AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase), which provide a more comprehensive picture of liver health.

4. Hepatitis Panel: To check for viral hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.).

5. Imaging Studies: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to evaluate the structure and condition of the liver.

6. Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken for examination under a microscope to determine the extent of liver damage.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment approaches may include:

1. Lifestyle Changes: If the elevated SGPT levels are due to alcohol consumption, lifestyle modifications may be recommended, including reducing or eliminating alcohol intake.

2. Medications: Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat liver diseases or other conditions causing elevated SGPT levels.
   

3. Managing Underlying Conditions: If the elevated SGPT levels are a result of certain medical conditions, such as viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease, managing and treating those conditions will be a priority.

Regular visits to the doctor are necessary to monitor progress, assess the effectiveness of the treatment, and make any adjustments to the treatment plan.

The blood sample will be drawn, placed in a bottle, and labelled with your name and contact information. Then, it will be transported to a lab where it will be chemically tested or studied under a microscope.

You shouldn't have any noticeable side effects because only a small blood volume is drawn during the test.

However, there can be a few minor side effects of the sgpt test, including: 

1. Bleeding

2. Bruising

3. Infection

4. Slight pain when the needle is inserted

5. Fainting or feeling dizzy

A delay in the SGPT test could worsen the condition of the patient as the treatment is delayed. The metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and removal of chemicals from the body are all significantly influenced by the liver.

SGPT testing can help identify liver damage or diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. By not getting tested on time, any underlying liver condition may go undetected, potentially delaying the diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

By neglecting SGPT testing, you may increase the risk of developing complications such as liver failure, liver cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Several diagnostic labs offer SGPT tests for a reasonable price. You can also request a home blood sample collection or visit one of their locations to get your SGPT test performed at a reasonable cost. 

For the SGPT test, the cost starts from about ₹ 60 and can go up to ₹ 150, depending on the city and the particular test you are opting for.

During a routine exam, the SGPT test can be suggested as part of a blood panel. Further, your doctor can use the SGPT test results to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment if you have already received a liver disease diagnosis.

Besides, you may see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

1. Stomach pain or swelling

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting

4. Yellow skin or eyes 

5. Weakness

6. Tiredness

7. Dark-coloured urine

8. Light-coloured stool

9. Itchy skin

Maintaining a healthy liver is important to adopt an active lifestyle and consume a balanced diet. And, if you exhibit any liver-related warning signals, consulting a medical professional is vital to understand the problem.

In such instances, SGPT tests come handy as they can determine the cause of your problem easily, and the doctor can start the treatment.

If you are struggling to find a doctor or other medical solutions, then you can always get in touch with the experts at HexaHealth. They will guide you through the process of finding required healthcare solutions and living a better life.

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