SGPT / ALT Test (Alanine Transaminase) in Gurgaon - Price and details

PharmEasy blends convenience and affordability by being present in every city and offering huge discounts on all tests. To assure accuracy, only the latest technology is used by experienced lab technicians and the reports are verified by in-house pathologists. The reports are emailed to the customer.

SGPT is an enzyme produced by different cells and tissues of our body. Most of the SGPT is produced by the heart, kidneys, muscle cells, and liver. However, this test is used to check the health condition of the liver.

The liver is an important organ that regulates various biological functions. The SGPT is a vital parameter, the level of which decides whether the liver is functioning properly or not. Normally the SGPT enzymes stay inside the cells of the liver, it is not found in high levels in the blood. Therefore, if the level of SGPT enzyme in the blood is high, it indicates that the liver is injured or damaged.

Some of the common causes behind the high levels of SGPT are:

• Hepatitis B and C: a viral infection causes liver inflammation and damage
• Fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occur due to the accumulation of fats in the liver that leads to liver inflammation
• Alcohol consumption: excessive and chronic alcohol consumption causes inflammation in the liver that can raise the liver enzyme level
• Liver cirrhosis: a type of liver damage where healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue, caused by excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis B and C infections, and fatty liver due to obesity and diabetes
• Muscle damage:  SGPT enzyme is also present in muscles. So when the muscles are damaged for some reason (strenuous exercise, muscle injuries) the SGPT levels are temporarily increased.
• Heart disease: in congestive heart failure or a heart attack, not enough oxygen can reach the liver, causing liver damage and elevated SGPT levels.

Fat accumulation and liver damage increase blood sugar levels. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes are caused by the same factors, such as being overweight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. So obesity, hypertension, blood cholesterol, and diabetes are all capable of raising SGPT levels.

Other reasons that may increase the SGPT levels are- infectious mononucleosis glandular fever caused by Epstein Barr virus, and dermatomyositis, (inflammation of the skin and muscles).

SGPT is a common diagnostic test generally done to detect liver injury or damage. The symptoms for which a doctor may prescribe an SGPT test are:

• Jaundice
• Easy bruising
• Excessive bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Swelling in legs
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

This test helps monitor the progress of liver treatment.

An SGPT test does not require any specific preparation or fasting. Tell the doctor if you are following a prescription or taking over-the-counter medications. You may be advised to stop taking certain medications for a period of time before the test.

During the SGPT Test

Armed with a vein funder and fresh needles and syringes, the phlebotomist will arrive at your home. The vein funder helps ascertain where the right vein is, and a sample of your blood will be drawn and taken to the lab for analysis.