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Blood Work or Blood Tests can be quite daunting. That is because the blood tests tend to be confusing. Imagine a situation where you are ordered a blood test that reads “SGPT test”. We are sure that you have every reason to feel annoyed. Just because you don’t know what it means or why it has been ordered, you have every reason to feel anxious.
You are not the only one – the term leaves several of us feeling anxious, because the acronym is quite complicated and much less heard about.
If your doctor has ordered an SGPT test for you and you are looking to find what it is, this guide is just for you.
SGPT means Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. So, an SGPT blood test is designed to help doctors find what is inside your liver. The test is also referred to as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) on your report—they are the exact same thing.
SGPT is an element or component that always stays inside your liver cells. It is responsible for breaking down amino acids into energy. Under ideal conditions, the component stays inside the liver. However, when your liver malfunctions or has any issues, SGPT escapes into your bloodstream.
That is when your bloodstream contains a high amount of SGPT. Such an occurrence will make you understand that your liver is under stress.
You can consider an SGPT test to be an early warning system. It may be noticed that the liver is really tough and does not give out any symptoms until it is severely damaged or under heavy stress. Thus, an SGPT test can help reveal early if your liver has any severity or health conditions.
An SGPT blood test becomes crucial in the following areas –
Doctors may recommend the SGPT tests for several reasons. In fact, there is no reason to be worried just because an SGPT test has been ordered.
A few reasons that your doctor may have ordered an SGPT test include
These are just a few reasons doctors may order SGPT test. Doctors may order it for a wide range of other reasons as well.
Interpreting the SGPT test and its results can depend on multiple factors. Just because you got a single high number does not mean you have a problem.
The "De Ritis Ratio" (Advanced Interpretation)
Doctors may choose to find the ratio between ALT and AST (also known as SGOT and SGPT respectively) to understand the severity of the ailment. This ratio is known as De Ritis Ratio.
The severity levels
In medicine, a term like SGPT normal range is never used. This is because the test results typically are dependent on the equipment used. However, we can consider the following acceptable levels.
General Reference Ranges
Note – It may be noted that some labs may consider a higher cut off such as 55 to 60 U/L. However, many hepatologists argue that the normal values should be below 30 for men and below 19 for women.
SGPT Normal Range in Children
In the case of children, the right levels would be a little different.
SGPT Normal Range in Pregnancy
The pregnancy changes bodily chemistry significantly. It may be noted that the SGPT levels drop significantly during a healthy pregnancy.
Note – If the SGPT levels for pregnant women is above 50, it could be a red flag. While it is a normal value for a woman who is not pregnant based on the lab, it is definitely a high level for a pregnant woman.
If you want a glance at the levels of SGPT, here is the chart that should help you –
Category
Range (approx. U/L)
Potential Meaning
Normal
7 – 56
Liver is functioning within healthy limits.
Borderline High
57 – 100
Often lifestyle-related: Mild fatty liver, recent alcohol use, or medication effect.
Mildly High
100 – 300
Active inflammation. Could be chronic hepatitis or significant fatty liver.
Moderately High
300 – 1000
Acute viral hepatitis (like Hep A or B) or flare-up of chronic disease.
Very High
> 1000
Medical Emergency. Drug toxicity (overdose), severe shock, or acute liver failure.
If the SGPT levels have gone up, because of lifestyle related factors, we have a good news for you. Liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself. If you follow a few methods religiously, you should be able to lower your SGPT levels in 4 to 4 weeks.
There are a few diets that are friendly to the liver and a few others that are harmful to the liver.
It is important to change your diet so that your liver can benefit the most.
It is advisable to avoid the white carbs such as sugar, white bread and pasta. They can spike insulin which stores sugar in the liver.
A few modifications to your lifestyle can have a lasting impact on the health of your liver.
If the above seem to insufficient, you can take supplements that help your liver get back to proper health.
Note – Do not start supplements on your own. Consult your doctor for recommendations.
There are no clear symptoms of high SGPT levels.
However, a few indicators may include
Mild to moderate elevation
Severe elevation
There may be multiple reasons for the elevated levels of SGPT. Liver is a very sensitive organ and many factors can irritate it.
Liver related issues
Some liver conditions can increase SGPT levels.
Non-liver causes
Medications and supplements
If you want most accurate results of your SGPT test, we recommend following a few preparatory steps.
Fasting
If the test involves SGPT alone, there is no need for fasting. However, if it forms part of a panel, we recommend fasting for 10 to 12 hours prior to the test.
Other preparatory steps include
Inform the doctor about any medications you are on. Do not stop the prescription medications unless you are asked to.
The test follows a simple procedure. There is absolutely no need to be anxious.
That does it. It will take around 24 hours to get the report.
Doctors typically order a SGPT test in the following scenarios –
If you want to be safer from high SGPT levels, there are a few precautions that you should follow.
So, if your doctor has ordered an SGPT test, there is nothing to worry about. The test acts as a window for your liver health. Of course, a high result can be alarming, but you can easily reduce it following the right practices.
The liver is the most forgiving organ in the human body. It wants to heal. By understanding what SGPT means and responding to its warning signals early, you can ensure this vital chemical factory keeps running smoothly for the rest of your life.
What happens if SGPT is high?
High SGPT levels may indicate that your liver is damaged or inflamed. You may need medications or lifestyles modifications to reverse the issues.
What is a SGPT test in pregnancy?
It is a standard check to rule out serious conditions like HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) or Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP).
How can I reduce SGPT levels quickly?
The best way is to remove the toxins that are causing the hike. Avoid alcohol completely. Avoid fried foods and sugar intake. However, there is no quickest way to do it. Enzymes take a few weeks to normalise.
What are the symptoms of high SGPT levels?
Typically, you will have no symptoms. If they happen, they may include fatigue, dark urine, brain fog and nausea.
Why does SGPT increase?
SGPT levels increase when liver cells get damaged or inflamed. Most common causes are fatty liver (obesity), alcohol, viruses, and drug toxicity.
Why does SGPT increase during pregnancy?
It can be due to morning sickness. However, SGPT levels should not increase during the later stages of pregnancy.
What is the alarming level of SGPT?
The typical danger levels are