SGOT Test In Bengaluru - Price & Details

The SGOT test is a blood test used to measure the amount of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the bloodstream. SGOT, or serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, is the older name for AST, so the test may also be referred to as an AST test. AST is an enzyme that helps the body process proteins and convert nutrients into energy. It is found in many tissues, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. Under normal conditions, AST stays within cells. When these cells are injured or damaged, the enzyme can leak into the bloodstream, resulting in increased AST levels. Elevated levels can occur with liver inflammation or injury, but may also be seen after muscle damage, intense physical activity, heart injury, and certain other conditions. Doctors may recommend an SGOT test when liver or tissue injury is suspected. The result is generally evaluated together with other tests, such as SGPT/ALT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), along with your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

Your doctor may recommend an SGOT test in the following situations:

• Routine health check-up: As part of a routine health check-up or to assess overall liver health.
• Monitoring: To monitor an existing liver condition or response to treatment.
• Symptoms: If you have symptoms that may suggest liver or other tissue injury, such as nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain or swelling, dark urine, pale stools, or persistent itching.
• Risk factors: If you have a higher risk of liver disease such as a family history of liver disease, regular or excessive alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, or hepatitis.
• Medications: If you take medicines that may affect the liver, your doctor may recommend periodic liver enzyme testing.
• Hepatitis-related check-ups: If you have a history of hepatitis or possible exposure to hepatitis, testing may be advised as part of your evaluation.

Note: SGOT is not specific to the liver, so your doctor may recommend it along with other liver tests depending on your symptoms and medical history.

High levels of SGOT in the blood may be due to:

• Liver conditions: Fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, cirrhosis, and other conditions that cause liver inflammation or damage.
• Heart-related problems: Heart attack or other conditions causing heart muscle injury.
• Muscle injury: Severe muscle damage, strenuous exercise, or conditions such as rhabdomyolysis.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Haemochromatosis: A condition in which excess iron builds up in the body and can damage the liver.
• Mononucleosis: A viral infection that can temporarily raise liver enzymes.
• Severe burns or seizures: These can cause tissue or muscle injury, leading to increased SGOT.
• Medicines or substances: Certain medicines and substances can injure the liver, including excessive alcohol use.
• Surgery: SGOT may temporarily increase after certain surgical procedures due to tissue injury.

Low levels of SGOT in the blood are usually considered normal. Very rarely, it may be associated with:

• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• Certain kidney-related conditions and renal dialysis
• Pregnancy

Note: If your results are not in the normal range, it does not always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Many things can affect your results, such as pregnancy, exercise, certain medicines, and your age or sex. Talk with your doctor to learn what your results mean. The above list is for educational purposes only and does not confirm a diagnosis or the presence of any condition.

What to Expect Before the Test?

• No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor advises otherwise or you are having other blood tests at the same time that require fasting.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, your pregnancy status, and if you have any medical conditions.
• This test can be done at any time of day.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for about 48 hours before the test because this can also increase SGOT levels, as it is also present in skeletal muscles. Normal daily activities and light exercise generally do not need to be stopped. If you have had a muscle injury or a heavy workout recently, it should be mentioned to your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. Alcohol can increase SGOT levels, particularly with regular or heavy use. If you regularly consume alcohol or drink heavily, inform your doctor, as this can affect the interpretation of your results.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection?

• A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin with an antiseptic and collect a small blood sample from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation.

What to Expect After the Test?

• Mild throbbing at the site may be felt after the blood is drawn. You may feel light-headed, which usually passes in a few moments.
• Once the blood sample is collected, it is taken to a laboratory for analysis, where your SGOT levels are measured. Once the report is ready, you can access it on the PharmEasy online portal.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The SGOT test measures a single key parameter:

• SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase), reported in units per litre (U/L).

The table below shows standard reference ranges of SGOT levels.

Important note: SGOT (AST) levels may vary with age, sex, and muscle mass, as SGOT is also present in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Levels can also be higher in newborns and young children than in adults. Normal ranges may differ slightly between laboratories. Always refer to the reference range provided on your specific lab report and consult your doctor for a personalised interpretation.

SGOT results must always be interpreted in the context of your gender, symptoms, alcohol use, medications, and the degree of elevation. 

Important: SGOT (AST) is found not only in the liver but also in the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, and blood cells. Therefore, an elevated SGOT does not always indicate liver disease. Doctors may interpret it alongside SGPT (ALT), bilirubin, ALP, and other tests, as well as your symptoms and medical history.The above table is for educational purposes only. SGOT interpretation requires the expertise of a healthcare professional.

Potential Risks and Complications

• The sample collection procedure for the SGOT test is generally safe, with minimal risk.
• Mild pain, slight bleeding, or bruising may occur at the blood draw site.
• Dizziness or light-headedness may sometimes occur, which will pass in a few minutes. You may lie down until you feel better.
• Occasionally, vein access may be difficult, or infection may occur.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least 4 to 6 hours.

Understanding SGOT Test Limitations

• SGOT is also found in the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, and blood cells, so an elevated result may not always indicate liver disease.
• A high SGOT level can occur with several liver and non-liver conditions. Additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
• SGOT indicates possible cell or tissue injury but does not show how well the liver is functioning.
• Strenuous exercise or muscle injury may temporarily increase SGOT levels.
• SGOT levels may remain normal in some liver conditions, particularly in certain early or mild cases.
• Doctors may assess SGOT along with SGPT/ALT, bilirubin, ALP, and other tests, as well as your symptoms and medical history.

An SGOT test in Bengaluru is typically priced around INR 175. The cost may vary depending on the city and the laboratory selected. To get a clearer understanding, you can compare SGOT test prices across major cities in India. 

You can book SGOT test in Bengaluru through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including:

• Indiranagar
• Koramangala
• HSR Layout
• Whitefield
• Marathahalli
• Electronic City
• Jayanagar
• JP Nagar
• Banashankari
• BTM Layout
• Yelahanka
• Hebbal
• Malleshwaram
• Rajajinagar
• Basavanagudi
• Bellandur
• Mahadevapura
• KR Puram
• Kalyan Nagar
• Richmond Town

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