SGPT Test: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know About Your Liver

What does the SGPT test mean?

So, what does the SGPT test mean? SGPT or Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase is a test that measures the health of your liver. SGPT is used to check the quantity of GPT or Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase in an individual’s blood serum. Organs like kidneys, heart cells, muscles, and of course the liver are the places where GPT enzyme is present. SGPT is also termed as ALT or Alanine Aminotransferase.

SGPT Test Summary

SGPT is also called	Alkaline Aminotransferase (ALT)
Test Done to Check SGPT	Blood test
SGPT test check	The functioning of your liver
Any special preparation required	No
Reports available	Within 24 hours
Test price	It may range from INR 150 to INR 400. However, it may vary as per location
Does health insurance include SGPT test	Yes, covered under many Health Policies
Related tests	Complete blood count Albumin SGOT Ultrasound Bilirubin test Glucose test Protein test

Why is it Important to Get SGPT Tests Done Regularly?

ALT is needed to break food down to form energy and hence ALT is required by the body. The level of ALT or SGPT normal range in blood is normally low. However, in case the liver gets damaged due to any reason, more quantity of ALT may be released to enhance its levels in your blood. In that case, the doctor may prescribe an SGPT test to check the level of SGPT.

SGPT high means that your liver may be damaged or there is some liver condition you are facing. On the other hand, 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L) is known as the SGPT test normal range.

However, anything beyond 50 units/liter for men and 45 units/ liter for women is termed as danger level of SGPT.

Why is the SGPT Test Prescribed by Doctors ?

Doctors may recommend a SGPT test in case a patient is experiencing one or more of the following signs of liver conditions, such as;

• Swelling or pain in stomach
• vomiting or nausea
• Jaundice
• Weakness and severe fatigue
• Urine color changes to dark yellow
• Itchy skin

However, there can be other grounds for doctors to recommend this test; such as

• To check if the patient has hepatitis virus
• If the patient is an alcoholic
• People with liver disease history in the family
• If a patient is consuming certain medications which may lead to liver damage
• Also, this test might be suggested under regular health check up

SGPT Test Preparation

It doesn’t require a patient to go through any particular preparation to carry out the SGPT test. However, you may have to stay empty stomach before undergoing the test. Also, if the patient is already under some medications, you must inform your physician prior to the test as they might impact the test results. The SGPT test is very simple and can be performed in a diagnostic centre near you. The blood sample for this test is collected from the upper hand vein of the person undergoing the test. The test can be performed within 5 minutes and the result is declared within a day or a few hours.

Causes of Slightly High SGPT or ALT Levels

Here are the causes of slightly high SGPT in blood:

• The ALT level can be slightly high due to alcohol consumption
• Cirrhosis or scarring of a person’s liver can also be a cause of slightly up SGPT
• Mononucleosis is another such reason
• Consumption of common medicines such as aspirin, sleeping pills etc.

  Causes of Moderately High SGPT Levels

Moderately High SGPT or ALT can be caused due to the following reasons:

• If the individual is suffering from chronic liver diseases
• Due to extreme consumption of alcohol
• Because of Cirrhosis
• If there is a blockage in bile ducts
• If the person suffers a heart attack or blockage and the heart is unable to pump the required blood
• It can also cause if there is some kidney issue
• It can be caused by muscle injury
• If the red blood cells gets damaged, the SGPT may rise
• Heart stroke can also lead to moderately high SGPT
• Excess of vitamin A can also be a cause

Causes of High SGPT levels

High SGPT or ALT can be caused due to the following reasons:

• If the patient has severe viral hepatitis
• If there is a overdose of medicines such acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Liver cancer can also be a reason
• Sepsis may also cause high SGPT

What is Considered to be the Normal SGPT Range in a Liver Blood Test?

Anyone who is prescribed to undergo an SGPT liver blood test must understand what is considered to be the normal SGPT range. So, first of all, remember that this normal range of SGPT may slightly vary on the measurement units and laboratory used to conduct the test. Generally, the normal SGPT range is around 7 to 56 units per litre of blood. On the other hand, anything over 56 units/litre is referred to as the danger level of SGPT and SGOT liver blood tests.

What are the Common Causes of High SGPT Levels in the Liver?

There is not one but multiple causes that shoot up the SGPT levels in a person’s body. The table below enlists all these common causes of high SGPT levels:

Causes of SGPT High Levels	Explanation
Fatty Liver Disease	Accumulation of fat in the liver cells leading to fatty liver diseases such as NAFLD or AFLD may also shoot up the SGPT levels in the liver
Excessive Alcohol Consumption	People who consume alcohol excessively are also prone to liver damage and inflammation often leading to higher SGPT levels
Cirrhosis	In many cases, Cirrhosis is a common cause for high SGPT levels, as it is a condition caused due to long-term liver damage indicating advanced scarring of the liver tissues
Hepatitis	It has also been observed that Hepatitis B or C often cause liver inflammation leading to elevated levels of SGPT
Heart Issues	Heart attack or other heart issues may release less oxygen to the liver and result in liver cell damage, which in turn  can elevate the SGPT levels
Muscle Damage	Sometimes SGPT get accumulated in the muscles due to extreme workouts or injuries leading to higher SGPT levels
Drugs and Medications	Certain medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and cholesterol-lowering medications may also cause drug-induced liver injuries and result in higher SGPT levels

What Are Other Possible Causes of High SGPT Levels

Besides the above-mentioned common causes of higher SGPT levels, there could be some other possible reasons too for instance:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder
• Dermatomyositis, which  is an inflammation of the muscles or skin
• Mononucleosis Glandular Fever, which is an infectious fever caused due to Epstein Barr Virus

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of High SGPT Levels?

An elevated level of SGPT clearly indicates damage to the liver or some sort of inflammation in this largest organ of the body. Broadly speaking, SGPT high means a person will experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Change in the colour of stool
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Excessive bleeding

Tips to Avoid High SGPT Levels

Prevention is always better than cure, so why not adopt some easy lifestyle changes and follow some tips to prevent the shooting up of SGPT levels in the liver? So, keeping this thought in mind, we are sharing with you some tips to avoid higher SGPT levels:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: People keen to keep their SGPT levels under control must focus on maintaining a healthy weight because obesity is one of the common causes of liver issues. So, eat a balanced diet and do regular exercises to maintain an ideal weight to avoid higher SGPT levels.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: You are what you eat, so keeping this in mind, make a wise selection of food items you eat. In short, consume a healthy diet full of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. At the same time, avoid processed foods rich in saturated fats.
• Regular Exercise is a Must: Indulging in regular exercising is good not just for keeping SGPT levels in normal range, but also for the overall well-being of the liver and the entire body. Make sure to do moderate exercises regularly.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you wish to keep your liver healthy and avoid higher SGPT levels, do limit your alcohol intake. We are not saying to completely avoid drinking alcohol, but consume it moderately, especially if you have a history of liver problems.
• Keep Yourself Hydrated: It is equally important to stay hydrated to avoid problems in the liver or any other body part. So, drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juices or coconut water to keep SGPT levels under control.
• Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis: Since Hepatitis infection is considered to be a common cause of SGPT high levels, we recommend you get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and C infections.
• Indulge in Proper Medication:  Last but not least, ensure consuming drugs and medications with proper caution, especially with over-the-counter medications. Avoid taking excessive medicines and wherever needed ask for the side effects from your healthcare provider before taking any medicines.