SGOT Test: Normal Range, Purpose, Procedure, Results and More

What is SGOT Test?

The Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) test, also known as the Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test, is a fundamental blood test used to evaluate the health of one of the body's most vital organs: the liver. This SGOT test measures the level of the AST enzyme in your bloodstream.

AST is found in various tissues in the body, with the highest concentrations in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. However, when it comes to liver health, the SGOT test is particularly informative as levated levels of AST are a sensitive marker of liver injury. Even minor liver damage can cause an increase in SGOT levels. Hence, the SGOT test provides essential insights into the health of your liver, enabling early detection and intervention in case of liver diseases.

How to Understand the Test Results of the SGOT Test?

When deciphering the results of the SGOT blood test, it's vital to be aware of the SGOT normal range or SGOT normal value, typically falling between 8 to 45 units per litre (U/L) for healthy individuals. If your SGOT levels deviate from this range, it may signify potential liver issues. Hence, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment, as various factors can cause elevated SGOT levels.

What is the Normal Range of SGOT?

The normal range of the SGOT test is generally between 8 and 45 units per litre of serum.

The SGOT normal range for males is between 10 to 40 units/L, and it is between 9 to 32 units/L for females. A score above 50 for cisgender males and 45 for cisgender females is high and may indicate damage. However, there may be some variation in the SGOT normal ranges depending on the technique the lab used.

Why do I Need the SGOT Test?

The SGOT test is essential to assess your liver's health. It helps detect liver damage or disease, even before noticeable symptoms appear. Regular SGOT test is crucial as SGOT is found in several regions of your body, including kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. SGOT may be higher if any of these regions are damaged. Therefore, this test is a valuable preventive test, enabling early intervention and lifestyle adjustments to maintain a healthy liver.

How to Prepare for an SGOT Test

SGOT test preparation is generally simple.

• No special diet or fasting is usually required unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
• You should inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking, as some substances may affect liver enzyme levels.
• It’s also advisable to avoid intense physical activity for at least 24 hours before the test since exercise can temporarily raise SGOT test levels.

Risks Associated with an SGOT test

The SGOT test is generally safe, with minimal risks. However, some potential concerns include discomfort during blood sample collection, bruising or bleeding at the site of the needle insertion, or, in rare cases, infection. So, keep yourself hydrated to prevent the feeling of light-headedness or fainting. Moreover, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider of any underlying health conditions to ensure a safe and successful SGOT test.

What to Expect After the SGOT Test

The SGOT test is a straightforward blood test.

• A small blood sample will be drawn from your arm.
• After the test, you can resume normal activities unless advised otherwise.
• Some people may experience minor bruising or soreness at the needle site.
• Your SGOT test report is usually available within a day or two.

What is the SGOT Test Procedure?

The SGOT test procedure is simple. A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein, typically in your arm, using a needle. Before the test, you might be advised to fast for a few hours. After the blood collection, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually available within a day or two and will indicate the levels of Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) in your blood.

What Happens When SGOT is High?

Elevated SGOT levels in the blood can indicate potential liver damage or disease. Various conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcohol-induced liver damage, may cause SGOT levels to rise. However, high SGOT results alone do not provide a specific diagnosis. Further evaluation and testing are necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment for the liver condition responsible for the elevated SGOT levels.

What Happens When SGOT is Low?

A low SGOT level typically falls within the reference range and is considered normal. However, unusually low SGOT levels are rare and may be indicative of underlying health issues such as severe malnutrition, certain genetic disorders, or chronic debilitating diseases. So, if your SGOT levels are abnormally low, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation to identify and address any underlying health concerns.

What Causes High AST / SGOT?

Elevated AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) or SGOT levels can result from various factors, primarily related to liver or heart damage. These causes can include hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, muscle injury, heart attacks, and certain medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to investigate the underlying cause when AST or SGOT levels are high, as the precise reason may vary from person to person.

What are the Symptoms of High SGOT Levels?

High SGOT levels typically do not produce specific symptoms on their own. Instead, they are a sign of underlying liver or heart damage. The SGOT high symptoms often depend on the cause, such as hepatitis (jaundice, fatigue), heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath), or muscle injury (muscle pain, weakness).

What is the Treatment for High SGOT Levels?

The treatment for high SGOT levels depends on the underlying cause. If it's related to liver damage or disease, treatment may involve addressing the specific liver condition, such as antiviral medications for hepatitis or lifestyle changes for fatty liver disease. In the case of heart-related issues, managing heart disease becomes the focus, which may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgery. The key is to identify and treat the root cause of the elevated SGOT levels.

What Are the Benefits of the SGOT Test?

The SGOT test benefits include:

• Early detection of liver damage
• Monitoring of ongoing liver diseases
• Evaluation of muscle- or heart-related conditions

An SGOT test also helps healthcare providers track treatment progress and identify potential complications quickly, improving the chances of timely and effective intervention.

Is Fasting Required for SGOT Test?

Fasting is not typically required for SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) or SGOT blood tests. These tests can generally be conducted without any specific dietary restrictions. However, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions, as there may be special cases or specific test variations where fasting is recommended. So, always consult your doctor for precise guidance.

Conclusion

The SGOT test is a valuable test for assessing liver health and identifying potential liver damage or disease. Understanding the normal range, causes of high or low SGOT levels, and the need for this test is essential for maintaining optimal well-being. It serves as an early warning system, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments when necessary. Your liver health is a vital component of your overall health, and the SGOT test is a crucial part of maintaining it. So, schedule your SGOT test with Metropolis Diagnostics - your trusted partner in healthcare.

FAQs

What does SGOT stand for?

SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys.

What does high SGOT mean?

High SGOT levels often indicate liver damage, muscle injury, or, in some cases, heart disease. It is not a disease itself but a marker of potential tissue damage.

How often should SGOT be tested?

SGOT testing frequency depends on your health condition. It may be monitored regularly if you have liver disease, are on specific medications, or have ongoing symptoms.

Can exercise affect SGOT levels?

Yes, intense physical exercise can temporarily elevate SGOT levels. This is why proper SGOT test preparation includes avoiding heavy workouts before testing.

What lifestyle changes can lower SGOT levels?

To lower SGOT levels, adopt a liver-friendly lifestyle: reduce alcohol intake, maintain a healthy weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes.

Does SGOT mean fatty liver?

Elevated SGOT may indicate fatty liver, but it can also point to other liver or muscle issues. Additional tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Can SGOT detect early liver damage?

Yes, the SGOT test can help detect early liver damage when enzyme levels rise, even before noticeable symptoms appear.

Is the SGOT test used alone for diagnosis?

No, the SGOT test is not used alone. It is typically combined with other liver function tests like ALT and ALP for a complete assessment.

What does the SGOT test diagnose?

The SGOT test assists in diagnosing liver diseases, muscle injuries, and heart conditions but always in combination with clinical findings and other tests.

How is SGOT different from ALT?

SGOT is present in multiple tissues like the heart and muscles, while ALT is more liver-specific. ALT is usually a more focused marker for liver health.