sgpt / alt (alanine transaminase) Test

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver and kidney however much smaller amounts of it are also found in the heart and muscles. Injury to the liver results in the release of the substance into the blood. ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. In healthy individuals, ALT levels in the blood are low. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, which results in high ALT levels.

24 to 36 Hours

The alanine aminotransferase diagnoses liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses detects liver damage and analyses why jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.

It monitors the effects of cholesterol-lowering medicines and various other medicines that can damage the liver.

ALT can be ordered as a single test or as part of a requirement with other tests, for individuals who are at an increased risk for liver disease. Some examples include:

Individuals with a history of known or possible exposure to hepatitis viruses

People who are heavy drinkersIndividuals with a family history of liver diseaseIndividuals who consume drugs that might occasionally damage the liverPeople who are overweight and/or have diabetes

Common symptoms of high SGPT observed are:

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea, vomiting

• Jaundice

• Dark urine, light-coloured stool

• Itching (pruritus)

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Amylase (AMY)- serum: Amylase and lipase tests are used to detect pancreatitis. The tests measure the amount of these enzymes circulating in your bloodstream.

• Anti Microsomal Antibody (AMA): An antithyroid microsomal antibody test is also called a thyroid peroxidase test. It measures antithyroid microsomal antibodies in your blood.

• SGOT / AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): The AST test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test is also known as a serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase test.

These tests are not very expensive. The SGPT test cost ranges tentatively from Rs.90 to Rs.200. Book At-home SGPT test from Portea at Rs.100*.

Preparatory instructions before the test :

• No Fasting Required.
• No other special preparations required.

An ALT test doesn’t require any special preparation. However, you should tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some drugs may affect the levels of ALT in your blood. Your doctor might tell you to avoid taking certain medications for a period of time before the test.

Hepatitis, infection, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other liver diseases can often affect the ALT test results. Some medicines also affect it sometimes. Consult your doctor to know more about this.

• Specimen type: Serum(Blood Sample)
• Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

An ALT is a simple blood test with few risks. Bruising can sometimes occur in the area where the needle was inserted. The risk of bruising can be minimised by applying pressure to the injection site for several minutes after the needle is removed.

In very rare cases, the following complications can occur during or after an ALT test:

• Excessive bleeding where the needle was inserted
• An accumulation of blood beneath your skin, which is called a hematoma
• Lightheadedness or fainting at the sight of blood
• An infection at the puncture site

Reference Range

"Diseases/conditions related to the Alanine transaminase (SGPT) test Hepatitis Cirrhosis Ischemia Tumor of liver Ischemia Viral hepatitis Infectious Mononucleosis, or myopathy. Congestive Heart Failure Liver damage Bile Duct problem"

Interpretation-Female

Normal results

The SGPT test report will determine the level of SGPT in your blood. The ALT normal range in blood is between 7 and 55 units per litre, but this value can vary depending on the hospital. This range can be affected by certain factors, including gender and age. It’s important to discuss your specific results with your doctor.

Abnormal results

Higher-than-normal levels of ALT can indicate liver damage. Increased levels of ALT may be a result of:

• hepatitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the liver

• cirrhosis, which is severe scarring of the liver

• death of liver tissue

• a tumour or cancer in the liver

• a lack of blood flow to the liver

• hemochromatosis, which is a disorder that causes iron to build up in the body

• mononucleosis, which is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus

• pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas

Most lower-level ALT results indicate a healthy liver. However, studies have shown that lower-than-normal results have been related to increased long-term mortality. Discuss your numbers specifically with your doctor if you’re concerned about a low reading.

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