SGPT ALT Serum

SGPT test is done for early detection of viral hepatitis and other necrotic infections. Typically the levels increase before onset of clinical symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatitis are nausea, vomiting, jaundice and pain in abdomen
It is also used to monitor disease progression and measure the severity of a disease

• A healthcare provider may also ask you to get the test done if you are at high risk of damage to the liver due to a family history of liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse disorder, consumption of medicines which can cause damage to the liver, and hepatitis.
• The test checks whether the liver is functioning properly. It aims to detect infection or disease if it is present. The level of the SGPT ALT serum in the blood indicates the fitness level of the liver. If the levels are elevated, then it is indicative of liver damage, blockages in the bile duct or issues related to the kidney.

SGPT test measures SGPT levels in blood

A SGPT Alt serum test is done to measure the Alanine Transaminase. It can indicate the health status of the liver. It can help detect whether the liver is suffering from any infections or diseases.

SGPT test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

An SGPT Alt serum test is done in much the same way as any other blood test. A healthcare provider will choose a spot around the inner corner of your arm opposite the elbow. He will clean it with a disinfectant. They might tie an elastic band around your arm to be able to view the veins more clearly. They will then use a clean needle to extract the required blood sample. They will store it in a vial. The procedure is mostly painless. The puncture site tends to heal within a few minutes.

High SGPT levels indicate liver cell damaged seen in  hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic alcohol abuse, celiac disease, infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus, Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and  hemochromatosis. 
Low levels of ALT are seen in vitamin B6 deficiency.
In infectious hepatitis ALT rises more than AST and the ALT/ AST ratio which is usually less than 1 becomes ≥1

Usually, an alt serum test is performed along with several other liver tests. This is to determine the levels of different proteins, enzymes and other substances in the liver. Usually, the results of an alt test are compared with the other tests to determine the health of your liver.

Generally, higher levels of Alt in the blood indicate signs of damage to the liver due to infections, hepatitis, liver cancer, or other liver diseases. Certain medicines could also be responsible for this.

Usually, taking an SGPT Alt serum test does not require any preparation. It is possible that your doctor may ask you to get the test done along with certain other tests. Usually, you do not need to fast before taking this test.

Undergoing an ALT serum test can help to tell the difference between damage resulting from acute liver problems and chronic liver problems. However, the extent of ALT in the blood is not related to how far your liver may be damaged.

An Alt test may be performed as a part of routine tests for screening the health of your liver. The test may be useful for diagnosing and monitoring liver problems. Your doctor may ask you to get an Alt test done as a part of routine check-ups. But it may be done together with a group of other liver function tests that check how well your liver is working.

The test may be recommended if you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, Fatigue, weakness, jaundice, swelling or pain in the abdomen, swelling in the ankles and legs, urine that is very dark in colour, stool that is very light in colour and frequent itching problems.

There are some factors which can cause an increase in ALT levels in the blood. Some of these are as follows:

• Consumption of alcohol in large quantities
• Occurrence of hepatitis. It is an inflammatory condition in the liver
• Scarring and poor performance of the liver due to Cirrhosis due to exposure to toxins like viral infections
• Death of liver tissue
• A tumour in the liver
• Poor flow of blood to the liver

Inflammation of the pancreas

• Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT)
• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
• Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT)
• SGPT Test
• ALT Test