SGOT Test in Chandigarh - Price & Details

The SGOT test, also called the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, measures AST levels in the blood to help assess liver function. SGOT, also known as AST, is an enzyme that helps break down amino acids and use them to produce energy. It also helps the body make glucose when needed, such as during fasting. Therefore, SGOT is present in organs with high energy demands. It is found mainly in the liver and heart, as well as in the muscles, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. Normally, SGOT remains within the cells. When liver cells or cells in these tissues are injured, the enzyme escapes into the bloodstream, raising its level. The SGOT/AST test helps detect liver damage that occurs in conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease is a very common liver condition and is closely related to excess body weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, and an inactive lifestyle. Other common causes of liver damage include heavy alcohol use, viral hepatitis (B and C), and long-term use of certain medicines. If liver conditions are left untreated, ongoing liver damage can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver failure, or liver cancer. PharmEasy Labs usually provides SGOT/AST test results in about one to two days, depending on your location in Chandigarh.

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, your doctor may recommend testing 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: A heart attack or other conditions that injure heart muscle.
• 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, increasing 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 SGOT levels are usually normal. Very rarely, it may be associated with:

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

What to Expect Before the Test?

• No fasting is required before the SGOT test. You can eat and drink normally before the scheduled blood draw, unless your doctor has ordered additional blood tests that require fasting.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before the test.
• Do not exercise vigorously for 24 to 48 hours before the test.
• Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, health conditions you have, and recent history of muscle injury, as these may affect your results.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection?

• A trained PharmEasy phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the scheduled time.
• A soft strap called a tourniquet will be wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
• The phlebotomist will clean the skin with an antiseptic wipe, usually on the inside of your elbow or wrist.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein to collect blood into a collection tube.
• Blood flows into the collection tube. The tourniquet is then removed, the needle is pulled out, and a cotton pad or a small band-aid is placed over the area. The whole collection process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

What to Expect After the Test?

• The needle will be removed, and a cotton gauze or bandage will be placed on the site.
• You may apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to reduce bleeding and bruising.
• You can resume your normal activities immediately.
• Mild soreness or bruising at the site may occur but usually resolves within a day or two.

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: 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. The above table is for educational purposes only.

Potential Risks and Complications

The SGOT test is a simple and safe blood test with minimal risks. These may include:

• Mild pain or stinging when the needle is inserted.
• Slight bruising or soreness at the site of blood collection.
• Minor bleeding from the puncture site.
• Light-headedness or fainting in some people, especially those anxious about needles.
• Rarely, infection at the needle site.

These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a short time.

Understanding SGOT Test Limitations

• SGOT is also present in other organs, such as the heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain, so injury to these organs can also elevate SGOT levels.
• An increased SGOT value indicates cell injury, but not the underlying cause or location.
• SGOT levels may rise and fall over time.
• SGOT levels do not determine how much liver injury has occurred.
• Recent vigorous exercise, trauma, intramuscular injections, or certain medications can temporarily raise SGOT levels unrelated to liver health.
• SGOT should be interpreted along with ALT, ALP, bilirubin, and clinical symptoms, not alone.
• Some chronic liver conditions can sometimes present with normal SGOT levels.

The SGOT test at PharmEasy in Chandigarh costs ₹182.

The list below compares the test prices across major cities:

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

• Sector 8
• Sector 11
• Sector 12
• Sector 15
• Sector 17
• Sector 18
• Sector 20
• Sector 22
• Sector 23
• Sector 26
• Sector 29
• Sector 36
• Sector 44
• Manimajra
• Mauli Jagran
• Dhanas
• Maloya
• Burail
• Daria
• Hallomajra

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pincode.