The liver is essential to breaking down food, storing energy, and clearing waste from the body. So how can you know if your liver is working properly? This is why we have the SGPT test.
The SGPT test, a simple blood test, provides doctors with information on your liver’s health by measuring certain enzymes. The SGPT test can help assess liver function, whether you’re having a regular health assessment or there is something specific about fatigue, nausea, or jaundice.
What is SGPT?
The full form of SGPT is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase). It’s an enzyme found mainly in liver cells, and small amounts are present in the heart and muscles.
Liver cells release SGPT into the bloodstream following damage or inflammation. This is why health practitioners conduct an SGPT blood test to detect liver injury, infection, or disease. By examining levels of SGPT, health workers can diagnose conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver deterioration.
Purpose of SGPT Test
Your doctors might want to order an SGPT test for a number of reasons, including:
- To determine if there is any inflammation or injury to the liver
- To monitor patients with hepatitis or other liver diseases
- To determine the effects of drugs on the liver
- As a normal liver function test, SGPT checkup
- To evaluate unexplained fatigue, nausea, or jaundice
SGPT testing is often performed in combination with an SGOT test, as the combination of two enzymes provides a more complete picture of liver function.
SGPT Test Procedure
The SGPT test procedure is quick, simple, and safe:
- Preparation: Usually, no fasting is required. However, your doctor might suggest avoiding alcohol and heavy meals 24 hours before the test.
- Sample Collection: A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
- Duration: The procedure takes less than five minutes.
- After the Test: You can continue normal activities immediately.
Results are typically available within 24 hours from diagnostic centers.
Normal Range for SGPT
The SGPT normal range can vary slightly between labs, but is approximately:
- Men: 10–40 U/L
- Women: 7–35 U/L
This happens due to differences in muscle mass and hormones between the two sexes. So, when checking your SGPT normal range for male or SGPT test normal range for female, always refer to your lab’s specific report values.
Understanding SGPT Test Reports
Your SGPT report shows how much of the enzyme is present in your blood
- Normal means your liver is working correctly.
- Slightly high could mean mild liver irritation from medications, stress or alcohol.
- High values are usually a sign of liver inflammation, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.
If your SGPT is high, your doctor may follow-up with tests such as an ultrasound scan, bilirubin or hepatitis screening to determine the cause.
SGPT and SGOT Relationship
The danger level of SGPT and SGOT depends on how much these enzymes rise above normal.
- If both SGPT and SGOT are mildly elevated, it could be due to fatty liver or certain medicines.
- If they are 5–10 times higher than normal, it may suggest acute hepatitis or severe liver damage.
Comparing these two enzymes helps determine whether the issue is primarily liver-related or connected to muscles or the heart.
Causes of High SGPT Levels
Some common reasons for elevated SGPT levels include:
- Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, or C)
- Alcohol consumption
- Fatty liver or obesity
- Long-term medication use
- Diabetes or high cholesterol
- Liver infections or autoimmune disorders
Monitoring these factors through regular checkups helps prevent long-term liver complications.
SGPT Level Chart
Here’s a quick SGPT level chart for easy reference:
| SGPT Level (U/L) | Interpretation |
| 7-40 | Normal range |
| 41-100 | Mild elevation (medication, stress, or alcohol) |
| 101-300 | Moderate elevation (fatty liver or mild hepatitis) |
| Above 300 | Severe liver inflammation or injury |
Always consult your doctor for proper diagnosis rather than interpreting results alone.
SGPT Test Uses and Benefits
The SGPT test uses extend beyond liver disease detection:
- Helps monitor recovery after hepatitis or surgery
- Evaluates the impact of drugs or alcohol on the liver
- Detects side effects of long-term medication use
- Tracks liver response to treatment
Preparation Tips for Accurate Results
- Refrain from the use of alcohol 24-48 hours before the test.
- Make sure your care provider is aware of all prescribed medications and any non-prescribed medicines or supplements you’re taking.
- Eat light the day before.
- Drink plenty of fluids before the test.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your SGPT test report accurately represents your liver health.
Conclusion
The SGPT test is among the easiest and most important tests that are used to assess your liver health. Having this test regularly will help catch issues early, monitor ongoing treatment, and prevent complications from a serious illness.
If your provider suggested that you complete this test, consider a reputable diagnostic center, such as the best laboratory in Coimbatore, to provide your results and review them with you.
FAQ
1. What is the normal range of SGPT?
The normal SGPT range is 10–40 U/L for men and 7–35 U/L for women. Values can vary slightly by laboratory.
2. How to control SGPT level?
To control SGPT, avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
3. What happens if SGPT is high?
High SGPT levels indicate liver stress or damage, which can be caused by fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol use, or medications.
4. What is a dangerously high SGOT level?
An SGOT level above 300 U/L is considered high and may indicate severe liver inflammation, viral hepatitis, or injury.
5. Is SGPT test for fatty liver?
Yes. The SGPT test helps detect fatty liver and monitors how well your liver is functioning.
6. Is 70 a high SGPT level?
Yes, 70 U/L is slightly above normal and may suggest mild liver inflammation or fatty liver. Lifestyle changes are often recommended.
7. How to control SGPT in liver?
Eat liver-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoid oily or processed foods, limit alcohol, and stay active.
8. Which foods cause high SGPT?
Fried foods, alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed meats can increase SGPT levels and stress the liver.
9. Can stress increase SGOT and SGPT?
Yes, chronic stress can indirectly raise SGOT and SGPT levels by affecting metabolism and hormone balance, impacting liver function over time.
