What Is the SGPT Test? Meaning, Normal Range, and What Your Results Indicate

Ever come across a test result that left you feeling uncertain? When you see something like the SGPT test on your report, it’s easy to worry about what it might mean. This test looks at a specific enzyme linked to liver health, and your results can offer helpful insights. 

Knowing what’s normal, what the numbers suggest, and why this test is done can guide your next steps with more confidence.

What is SGPT Test?

The SGPT test is a simple blood test used to check your liver health. It measures the level of an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in your blood. This enzyme is mostly found in your liver, and when your liver is stressed or damaged, its levels can rise. 

The SGPT full form is Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase. Understanding this test can help you and your doctor spot possible issues early, even before you notice any symptoms. It’s often part of routine health check-ups or liver function tests.

What Are The SGPT Test Uses?

The SGPT test is commonly used to monitor your liver’s condition. It gives important insights into how well your liver is functioning and can help detect issues early.

Here are the key uses:

• To check liver health: If you feel tired, have yellowing of the skin, or stomach discomfort, your doctor may recommend it.
• To monitor treatment progress: If you’re already receiving treatment for a liver condition, it helps track your recovery.
• To detect liver damage: Caused by medications or alcohol: Certain drugs and alcohol can harm the liver, and this test can pick up on it.
• As part of routine health checks: Often done with other liver tests to get a full picture of your liver function.
• To assess the impact of infections: Some infections like hepatitis can cause liver inflammation, which this test may help detect.

The SGPT test means more than just numbers—it’s a window into your body’s internal balance.

How to understand the test results of the SGPT test?

Your SGPT test results are either normal or abnormal. Read what these terms sands for:

Normal Report

The SGPT normal value will reveal the level of SGPT in your blood. The blood's ALT levels should be between 7 to 55 units per litre, while the exact range may differ depending on the laboratory. Age and gender are just two of the variables that may have an impact on this range. It's crucial to discuss your results with the doctor.

Abnormal Report

Levels that are higher than the SGPT normal level may be a sign of liver disease. Increased ALT levels could come from:

• Hepatitis, a liver ailment that causes inflammation
• Cirrhosis, which results in significant liver scarring
• Liver tissue degeneration
• An abnormal growth or liver cancer
• Insufficient blood supply to the liver
• Hemochromatosis, a condition that results in the accumulation of iron in your body.
• Mononucleosis, an illness typically brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus
• Pancreatitis, a pancreatic inflammatory disease

Low SGPT

Sometimes, results show lower-than-normal enzyme levels.

Here’s what that might mean:

• May be completely normal: Low levels often aren’t a concern if you feel well.
• Possible vitamin B6 deficiency: This vitamin helps make the enzyme, so a lack of it could lower SGPT.
• Muscle-related conditions: In rare cases, low SGPT may relate to muscle conditions.
• Nutritional factors: Poor diet or low protein intake might also lower enzyme production.

Unless you have symptoms or other abnormal test results, low SGPT usually doesn’t need any treatment.

What is the normal range of SGPT/ALT?

The SGPT normal level can differ from lab to lab. For an SGPT blood test, a reference range is 13 to 69 U/L (units per litre). ALT values are typically greater in males.

It's vital to examine your test result report to discover what your specific lab's reference range is and let your healthcare professional interpret the results.

SGPT Levels Chart

Your SGPT result will usually come with a number in U/L (units per litre). Here's a helpful chart to guide you:

These ranges can vary slightly by lab. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

What Affects SGPT Levels?

Several things can influence your SGPT result, both temporarily and long-term. Knowing these helps you better understand what might be behind a higher or lower level.

• Medications: Some drugs, especially pain relievers or cholesterol medicines, can raise SGPT.
• Alcohol use: Drinking heavily can stress your liver and increase enzyme levels.
• Obesity and fatty liver: Extra fat in the liver is a common reason for raised levels.
• Hepatitis or other infections: These can cause inflammation and damage.
• Strenuous exercise: Rarely, intense physical activity may slightly affect levels.
• Dietary habits: Poor diet, high sugar, or fat intake may contribute.
• Supplements and herbs: Some herbal products can impact your liver, even if they seem safe.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues may play a role.

Understanding these causes makes it easier to talk with your doctor about your next steps.

Why do I need the SGPT test?

Your healthcare provider may request the SGPT blood test to check for liver damage brought on by medications, illnesses, or injuries such as:

• Liver damage, bile duct disorders, and viral hepatitis
• Diabetes
• Enlarged heart failure
• Medicines, including zileuton, omega-3 acid ethyl esters, aspirin, antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering meds, some antipsychotics like risperidone, and anticonvulsants, among others.
• Contagious mononucleosis
• Reye Syndrome

An SGPT test is also carried out to evaluate how well liver disease treatments are working. SGPT test treatment is also performed as a standard test as part of a health examination.

How To Prepare For An SGPT Test?

Preparing properly for the SGPT test helps ensure accurate results. You don’t need to worry—it’s a simple process.

Here are a few tips:

• Fasting isn’t always required: But some doctors recommend it, especially if doing a full liver panel.
• Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours: It may affect your SGPT level.
• Inform your doctor about medications: Some might need to be paused temporarily.
• Mention supplements or herbal remedies: These can also affect the liver.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water the day before and on the day of the test.
• Avoid heavy workouts: Rest a day before your test to avoid temporary enzyme spikes.
• Relax before the test: Stress won’t change your SGPT, but staying calm helps the overall process.

You’ll usually get the results within a day or two, depending on the lab and the SGPT test price in your area.

What happens during the test for checking the range of SGPT?

Following are the things you could expect going through during a blood test or blood draw for an SGPT blood test:

• A medical professional will have you sit down comfortably while they look for a vein in your arms.
• Once they have found a vein, they will use an alcohol swab to clean and sanitise the region.
• Then, they will put a tiny needle into your vein to take a sample of your blood. There may be a slight pinching sensation.
• Once the needle has been placed, the necessary volume of blood will gather in a test tube.
• Once they have enough blood for testing, doctors will withdraw the needle and apply gauze or a cotton ball to the wound to stop any bleeding.
• After applying a bandage to the site of pricking, the blood collection is complete.
• The process hardly takes five minutes.

When is the SGPT test recommended?

Doctors may suggest an SGPT test when a patient shows one or more symptoms of a liver problem. Some of the SGPT test symptoms are listed below:

• Stomach discomfort or swelling, vomiting, or nausea.
• Jaundice.
• Weakness and extreme exhaustion.
• The colour of the urine turns dark yellow.
• Itchiness in the skin.

What are the risks of the SGPT test?

An SGPT test is a simple blood test done to assess the condition of the liver by determining the levels of SGPT in it. Sometimes, you can get a bruise or a red spot from where the blood is drawn. Applying pressure at that place for a few minutes after the needle is removed can lessen the likelihood of getting severe bruises.

The following issues can very rarely develop throughout or following an SGPT blood test:

• Excessive bleeding where the needle was inserted.
• Hematomas, or a buildup of blood under your skin.
• Fainting or feeling dizzy when you see blood.
• Infection or bruising at the pricking site.

What Is The Normal Range Of SGPT In Males And Females?

The normal range can differ slightly between genders and labs. But here’s a general guide for reference:

Knowing the SGPT normal values helps you understand whether your report falls within the healthy range.

How To Control SGPT?

If your SGPT test shows elevated levels, don’t panic. In many cases, simple changes can help bring it down.

Here’s what you can do:

• Eat a liver-friendly diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut back on fried and processed foods.
• Avoid alcohol: Even small amounts can affect liver health if your SGPT is high.
• Manage weight: Being overweight increases the risk of fatty liver, which can raise SGPT.
• Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise supports your liver and helps reduce fat buildup.
• Take medications responsibly: Don’t take painkillers or antibiotics unnecessarily. Always consult your doctor.
• Avoid self-medicating with herbs: Some herbal remedies may worsen liver function without warning.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports overall body function, including your liver.
• Get regular check-ups: Monitoring your levels over time helps catch issues early.

Making healthy changes is often enough to improve your numbers and bring SGPT into the SGPT normal values range again.

Conclusion

Taking charge of your health starts with understanding what your test results mean. The SGPT test plays an important role in identifying how well your liver is functioning, offering insight long before symptoms appear. Whether your levels are within range or need attention, timely action and professional advice make a real difference.

For reliable testing and accurate results, consider Metropolis Healthcare—trusted by doctors, equipped with advanced labs, and offering convenient home sample collection for your comfort.

Also Read: SGOT Test: Normal Values, Purpose, Procedure, Results and More

FAQs

How can I reduce SGPT levels quickly?

To reduce SGPT levels quickly, focus on liver-friendly habits. Avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated. Reduce fatty and fried foods. Regular, moderate exercise also helps. Always consult a doctor before making changes, especially if you’re on medication or have other health conditions impacting liver function.

Is SGPT 42 normal?

Yes, the range of SGPT levels considered normal is approximately 7–56 units/litre of serum (the liquid component of blood). Anything beyond this range may be considered abnormal. However, there are many reasons why your SGPT level rises. It is better to get professional advice after you get your lab results.

What is the SGPT level during jaundice?

During jaundice, SGPT levels are often significantly elevated due to liver inflammation or damage. The exact number can vary, but it may rise well above 100 U/L depending on the cause and severity. Jaundice requires medical attention, and your doctor will evaluate SGPT along with other liver tests to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Is an SGPT level of 110 normal?

An SGPT level of 110 is higher than the typical reference range, which is usually up to 56 U/L. This may indicate mild liver inflammation or another issue needing medical review. While not always serious, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for further tests or advice tailored to your health.

Does an SGPT level of 75 indicate a problem?

An SGPT level of 75 is slightly elevated and may suggest mild liver stress or inflammation. Causes can range from medication use and alcohol to fatty liver or infections. While not alarmingly high, it still warrants medical review to identify the cause and prevent potential complications through timely care or lifestyle changes.

How serious is an SGPT level of 200?

An SGPT level of 200 is considered moderately to highly elevated and may point to significant liver stress or damage. It’s not always an emergency but should be taken seriously. A doctor may recommend additional tests to check for hepatitis, fatty liver, or other conditions. Early evaluation helps prevent further complications.

Can SGPT levels of 90 be reduced naturally?

Yes, SGPT levels of 90 can often be reduced naturally with consistent lifestyle changes. Avoid alcohol, eat a liver-friendly diet, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight. Limiting processed foods and sugar also helps. However, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical causes that may need treatment.

What is the alarming level of SGPT?

The range for normal SGPT levels in serum is typically 7–56 units/litre. However, if the patient's blood test results for SGPT are greater than 56 units/litre, then it is good to book a consultation with a doctor.

Having elevated SGPT levels is normal. There are numerous potential causes for it. Make sure you get in touch with the doctor and follow their instructions.