SGPT / ALT (Alanine Transaminase) Test
Booked 857 timesAlso known as:
Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Test (SGPT), Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT), Glutamic-Pyruvic Test (GPT)
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Overview
The SGPT (ALT) test, with ALT standing for alanine aminotransferase, is a blood test used to detect liver damage. The liver is one of the important organs of the human body carrying out several vital roles. The liver helps produce bile, which in turn helps to digest food. It also helps remove waste products and toxins from the blood and produce proteins and cholesterol.
Occurrence of diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis or intake of certain drugs can cause harm to the liver.
The enzyme alanine aminotransferase is mainly found in the liver. The body uses this ALT enzyme for the breakdown of food and the production of energy. At normal times, ALT is found inside the liver cells. But in case of liver damage or disease, ALT is released into the bloodstream. This results in higher levels of ALT in the blood, often the first sign of liver damage.
The SGPT (ALT) test is therefore done to determine the levels of ALT in the blood. This would, in turn, help to determine liver damage or disease. Symptoms that call for the SGPT (ALT) test include dark urine, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and yellowish eyes and skin. Patients with any of these symptoms are advised by doctors to undergo the test immediately.
Liver disease has been stated as the tenth most common disease in India by the World Health Organization. Liver diseases are known to affect every one in five Indians. The most common of them is cirrhosis. Currently, the primary cause of liver cirrhosis is excessive alcohol consumption, Hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis can be associated with other complications, such as ascites, variceal bleeding and other infections.
Other names of Alanine Transaminase (SGPT / ALT) test
- ALT test
- Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Test (SGPT)
- Glutamic-Pyruvic Test (GPT)
What does the test detect/measure and who is this prescribed for?
The Alanine Transaminase (SGPT / ALT) test measures the ALT level in the blood, which helps to indicate the presence of any liver damage or liver disease.
The test is prescribed by doctors for individuals who have symptoms of liver damage or disease that include:
- Pain in the stomach, along with swelling
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Yellow eyes and skin
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dark-coloured urine and light-coloured poop
- Itchy skin
A few other reasons why an individual may be prescribed the test are:
- Exposure to the hepatitis virus
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- A family history of liver disease
- Intake of medication known to cause liver damage
- To monitor the progression of liver disease
- To evaluate whether treatment for liver diseases might be implemented
- To determine whether and how well the treatment is working
Sample Type
Blood samples are required to carry out the Alanine Transaminase (SGPT / ALT) test. Most often, the blood is collected from a vein in the arm.
Test Preparation
No special preparation is required for the SGPT (ALT) test. The patients may be asked not to eat anything 8 to 12 hours before the test. No preparation is needed once the test is over. Depending on the test results, the doctor might prescribe medications.
The doctor must be informed about all the medications taken by the patient before the test, as some drugs can affect the test results.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included?
The only parameter included in the test is the level of ALT in the blood. This level helps to determine either the presence or absence of liver disease. Low levels of ALT are normal, whereas higher ALT levels are of concern as they are indicative of liver disease.
Ranges
The normal range of ALT in the blood is generally considered to be less than 35 units per litre of blood. If the results are higher than this, it may suggest the presence of liver damage or disease. However, this range can be affected by a few factors, such as age and gender. Therefore, the result must be specifically discussed with doctors.
The following table indicates the variations that may be seen in the normal range of ALT in different age groups, both in females and males:
Age | Female U/L | Male U/L |
Newborns up to 12 months | 13 to 45 | 13 to 45 |
1 to 60 years | 7 to 35 | 10 to 40 |
60 to 90 years | 10 to 28 | 13 to 40 |
Older than 90 years | 5 to 24 | 6 to 38 |
The normal values, parameters, and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.
Test Result Interpretation
If the range of ALT is found to be higher than the normal range, it may suggest the presence of liver damage or disease. Increased ALT can result from several conditions, such as:
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Death of liver tissue
- Cancer or tumour in liver
- Lack of blood flow to the liver
- Hemochromatosis, which is the build-up of iron in the body
- Mononucleosis, which is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus
- Pancreatitis
If the results indicate liver disease or damage, the patients might have to undergo further tests to determine the cause of the problem and also the best way it can be treated.
Most often, lower levels of ALT are suggestive of a healthy liver. However, recent studies have found lower than normal levels of ALT may be associated with increased mortality. Therefore, in both cases, the test results must be consulted with a doctor.
Risk Assessment
Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Liver Cancer, Mononucleosis
Price/Cost
The price of an SGPT Test can differ based on the city and the laboratory. Typically, an SGPT test falls within the range of INR 169 to INR 399. For a better understanding, here is the average cost of an SGPT test in some major cities in India:
City | Min Price | Average Price | Max Price |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 | |
169 | 284 | 399 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if SGPT is high?
High SGPT is indicative of liver diseases, such as fatty liver, bile duct problems and jaundice. High SGPT is associated with certain common symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. A doctor must be consulted if the SGPT is found to be high to ensure proper treatment.
How can I lower my SGPT level?
SGPT levels can be lowered by increasing the incorporation of vitamin D in the diet. Vitamin D is known to prevent liver damage as well as reduce SGPT levels. Foods such as oranges, mushrooms, soy milk, eggs, apples and green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin D.
What should be avoided by patients with high SGPT?
Foods that patients with high SGPT must avoid include alcohol, foods with added sugar and salt, fried foods, red meat, white bread, pasta and rice.
Is high SGPT curable?
High SGPT can be managed by diet modifications, incorporating vitamin D in a regular diet and using some liver supplements. Also, lifestyle changes, as well as regular exercise, are considered useful to cure SGPT.
What is SGPT in liver tests?
SGPT stands for Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. It helps to determine the levels of Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase levels of the blood. Currently, it is known as the ALT test.
Is SGPT 50 normal?
The normal range for SGPT is between 7 and 55 units per litre of blood. Therefore, SGPT 50 can be considered to be normal.
How frequently should you take the test?
The SGPT (ALT) test is helpful for the determination of liver damage or disease. If the test results indicate the presence of liver damage, further assessments are done to determine the cause of the liver disease. The doctor might prescribe medications based on the cause of the disease. In such cases, patients may be advised to retake the test after one cycle of the medication is completed to determine if the disease has been healed or to detect the disease progression better. If the results do not indicate any liver damage or disease, the tests may be done once a year as a part of an individual’s routine checkup.
What is the price of the SGPT test?
The SGPT test price can range between Rs 169 and Rs 399, with variations due to factors such as location, diagnostic lab choice and available discounts.