SGOT Test In Delhi - Price & Details

The SGOT test is a blood test that measures the level of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase in the blood, which is the earlier name of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). AST is an enzyme that helps the body process proteins and use nutrients to produce energy. It is found in several tissues, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. AST normally remains inside cells. When these cells are injured, AST can enter the bloodstream, and this causes its levels in the blood to rise. Increased AST may occur due to liver inflammation or injury, but it can also be associated with muscle injury, strenuous exercise, heart-related injury, and other conditions. Doctors may order an SGOT test to check for possible liver or tissue injury, assess liver health, investigate symptoms that may suggest liver problems, or monitor an existing liver condition or its treatment. Since AST is not specific to the liver, the result is usually interpreted together with other tests such as SGPT/ALT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as 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 that 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?

• You can eat and drink normally before the test, unless you have other tests scheduled together, which may require fasting.
• The blood sample for this test can be taken at any time of the day.
• Let your physician know about all the medicines and supplements you take, and if you have recently been ill or have any underlying medical conditions. Also, let them know your pregnancy status, if relevant.
• Refrain from vigorous exercise for about 48 hours before the test because this can also increase SGOT levels as it is also present in your muscles. Normal daily activities and light exercises can be continued. If you have had muscle injury or a heavy workout recently, inform your doctor.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. Alcohol can increase SGOT levels. 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?

• This test involves a simple blood draw for a sample.
• A phlebotomist will insert a sterile needle into a vein (usually a vein in your arm) and fill one or more test tubes with blood.
• A slight sting may be felt when the needle is inserted and removed.

What to Expect After the Test?

• Mild throbbing at the site may be felt after the blood is drawn, which will pass in a few moments.
• Once the sample is analysed in the laboratory, the test reports will be uploaded to the PharmEasy platform after review by a medical practitioner.
• The report can be downloaded to your device from the comfort of your home.

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

• Minor risks involved with a blood draw may occasionally occur, such as mild pain, slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or light-headedness. Rarely, vein access may be difficult.
• Medical attention should be sought if persistent bleeding, swelling, redness, or severe pain develops.

Understanding SGOT Test Limitations

• Since SGOT is also found in tissues other than the liver, such as the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain and blood cells, this test is not specific for identifying liver damage.
• The SGOT test does not identify the underlying cause of liver damage; additional tests may be needed.
• SGOT indicates possible cell or tissue injury but does not show how well the liver is functioning.
• Vigorous exercise or muscle injury may transiently increase SGOT levels.
• Occasionally, SGOT levels may remain within the normal range in some liver conditions, particularly in certain early or mild cases.
• SGOT usually has to be assessed along with other tests such as SGPT/ALT, bilirubin and ALP, as well as your symptoms and medical history.

An SGOT test in Delhi 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 Delhi through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including:

• Dwarka
• Vasant Kunj
• Saket
• Chhattarpur
• Greater Kailash
• Lajpat Nagar
• South Extension
• East of Kailash
• Green Park
• Janakpuri
• Rajouri Garden
• Paschim Vihar
• Punjabi Bagh
• Rohini
• Pitampura
• Preet Vihar
• Mayur Vihar
• Karol Bagh
• Connaught Place
• Civil Lines

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