SGPT Blood Test: Definition, Normal Level, and Increased Level Information

SGPT blood test is the most important type of diagnostic investigation involved in the evaluation of liver disease. In fact, liver diseases can be difficult to identify in their early stages since patients with liver disease seldom report any signs or symptoms. However, the SGPT test is critical in spotting areas of concern that can escalate further if not treated. In this post, I will clarify the full meaning of SGPT, describe the SGPT normal range, and offer some comments on the interpretation of increased SGPT and your test results. If it is the first time you are undergoing an SGPT test or you are trying to analyze your SGPT results, these pieces of information are important for you in the first place in looking after your liver well-being.

What is The SGPT Blood test? 

The SGPT blood test, which is also referred to as the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test, is a diagnostic blood test that determines the concentration of SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) in a person’s blood. SGPT is an enzyme that occurs most abundantly in the liver, even though it exists in much lower concentrations in the heart, kidneys and muscles.

SGPT is an enzyme connected with the metabolism of amino acids, specifically with the transamination of alanine and pyruvate metabolism. Normally, SGPT is present in the blood in trace amounts. However, in liver cell injury or inflammation, SGPT is released from the cells into the blood and increases the level of SGPT in the blood. Therefore, assessment of SGPT levels is crucial in evaluating the extent of damage to the liver and its functions.

What is the Full Form of SGPT? 

SGPT – Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase. It is an enzyme having prime localization in the liver and also is involved in the metabolism of amino acids. Under various pathological conditions of the liver, SGPT gets elevated in the serum, making it one of the primary markers of liver dysfunction. In practice, SGPT is also known as ALT (alanine aminotransferase).

Why Is The SGPT Blood Test Important?

The SGPT blood test detects alternative levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes secreted by the liver and other body organs. The test is also commonly referred to as Alanine Aminotransferase Blood Test or Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase Blood Test. It is usually carried out alongside a liver function tests (LFT) to determine the efficiency and wellness of your liver. The liver is responsible for its share of serious matter when it comes to detoxifying the body by getting rid of toxic waste, creating bile for digestion, as well as metabolizing nutrients and drugs. Thus, taking good care of the liver is fundamental to one’s overall health. Problematic conditions including inflammation of the liver, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, and in worse case scenarios even cirrhosis or cancer of the liver can be observed with high SGPT levels and the consequences can be fatal.

People who drink alcohol frequently, along with those who have a prior history of liver illness, jaundice, fatigue or relatively strong weight loss symptoms typically stand to benefit from an SGPT test to assist find SGPT and the subsequent tracing and monitoring of liver damage symptoms.

SGPT Normal Range 

The SGPT test determines how much of the enzyme SGPT is present in the blood. While several laboratories have slightly different ranges, in general, the SGPT normal enzyme level is as follows.

1. Normal SGPT Level for Men – 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
2. Normal SGPT Level for Women – 7 to 45 U/L

These values may shift based on factors like age, gender, body weight, or even lab regulations. Nonetheless, provided that the SGPT test results are within these ranges, it means the liver is likely functioning well.

Factors Influencing SGPT Levels 

As with any medical test, certain factors can drastically change the outcome of an SGPT test. These causes are:

1. Age: In starting decades, SGPT level might change for various reasons, including becoming milder with aging.
2. Gender: Women have lower SGPT levels than men, as men have greater muscle mass and different hormonal levels.
3. Health Conditions: People diagnosed with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic disorder can have increased levels of SGPT. Also, those suffering from some muscle disorders are known to have elevated levels of SGPT.
4. Surgical Procedures: One reason for elevated SGPT levels is undergoing surgery.
5. Diabetes: People with diabetes also have elevated SGPT levels.

What Elevated SGPT Levels Have To Tell Us

Although a measurement of SGPT within its normal range Suggests that a person’s liver is working well, an increased value is more often indication of illness. The following list describes some of the most frequently noted culprit of high SGPT levels:

1. Liver Cancer

Some of the most severe causes of high SGPT levels include liver cancer and its metastasis to other organs. Depending on how much other tissues in the body are involved, these secondary tumors can be found in many different organs. The lungs and bones are the most common locations to find metastasis in addition to the liver. Higher levels indicate advanced disease and poor prognosis.

2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

People who do not drink heavily, can also suffer from the accumulation of fat in the liver. This condition is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, or excessive cholesterol. NAFLD may cause liver inflammation over time, elevating SGPT levels. It can lead to dire consequences if not treated, turning into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.

3. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

The non-restricted consumption of alcohol can damage the liver leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease. This in turn makes the liver swell from the fat, damaging liver cells and increasing SGPT levels. Excessive consumption of alcohol comes with a heavy price of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

4. Liver Cirrhosis

NAFLD, alcoholism, and viral infections can damage the liver for a prolonged time leading to liver cirrhosis. This causes the liver to develop scar tissues. Such hardened tissues are not able to function as effectively leading to inefficient flow of blood which further deteriorates the health of the liver. Enhanced damage to the liver leads to inflammation, making SGPT levels go higher. In critical cases of failure liver, division is not an option anymore.

5. Liver Cancer

Abnormal levels of SGPT could suggest the presence of cancer in the liver or other malignancies in the body. SGPT levels fluctuate significantly in response to cancer associated liver damage. High SGPT level warrants other tests such as imaging, and biopsy to identify the possibility of liver cancer.

6. Muscle Damage

Although SGPT is mostly linked with liver functions, muscles also contain SGPT. SGPT elevation may occur due to sever muscle injury from trauma, exercise, or muscle disease like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is important to distinguish the source of high SGPT liver from muscle, and further examination may be necessary with the assistance of your physician.

7. Medications and Toxins

SGPT elevations may be witnessed from the patient taking statins, pain medications like acetaminophen, and some anti-epileptic medications as they can damage the liver. Liver damage caused by exposure to environmental toxins or chemicals, although uncommon, also predisposes a person to raised SGPT levels.

What to Do If Health Centre Diagnoses with High SGPT Levels? 

SGPT results that come back as high indicate that one should seek professional help from healthcare providers to find out the reason behind it. In addition to evaluating your current symptoms and medical history, your doctor might also suggest other tests that could include the following:

1. Liver Function Tests (LFT): Determines the general of a person’s liver through blood tests.
2. Abdominal Ultrasound or CT scan: Checking the liver for fatty liver, tumors, cirrhosis, and other abnormalities.
3. Liver Biopsy: Liver damage is assessed by removing and analyzing parts of the liver during a biopsy on some patients.

Once the causes are known, appropriate treatment can be advised, which likely includes lifestyle modifications like following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake, medications, or advanced procedures such as antiviral treatment for hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.

Conclusion 

Early indication of hepatic impairment can be accomplished with ease using the SGPT blood test, which is especially pertinent for liver health screening. Knowing the definition of SGPT, the normal values of SGPT, as well as the potential reasons for raised SGPT levels, can help you appreciate your health better. Also, having regular check-ups, leading a nutritious life, and acting promptly can manage liver issues and lead to better health outcomes.

Dr. Lal PathLabs is a renowned diagnostic center which delivers SGPT blood tests with precision and reliability. With cutting-edge technology and multiple trained medical professionals, Dr Lal PathLabs guarantees that your health is in safe hands. Schedule your SGPT test today to have a better understanding of your liver health and subsequently improve your overall wellness.