SGPT Test: Meaning, Normal Range & Full Form Explained

You’re at a party, enjoying a drink and laughter, and suddenly a science freak says, “You know, the liver has the ability to regenerate itself in response to injury.” Well, your friend isn’t wrong, but that doesn’t mean you can keep stressing your liver with unhealthy habits of drinks and junk food, thinking it’ll magically fix itself.

Your liver is like a powerhouse; it handles over 500 tasks a day. From digesting food, storing energy, making proteins, and cleaning toxins from your blood. It quietly keeps you alive and active.

Now, imagine that due to your unhealthy habits, if your liver goes for a toss, all these vital functions will suffer. That’s why you need to keep track of its health, but how? With the help of a simple blood test called the SGPT test.

Now, what the hell is this SGPT test? Keep reading to know. 

Read Also: Best General Physicians in Kolkata: Your First Line of Care

What is the SGPT Test?

The SGPT (also known as ALT) test stands for the Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase test. This is a blood test that measures the level of an enzyme known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is primarily found in the liver. The function of ALT or SGPT is to act as a catalyst, allowing certain bodily processes to happen. 

ALT or SGPT remains inside liver cells, but when these cells are damaged due to infection, fatty liver disease, alcohol consumption, or certain medications, this leaks out into the bloodstream.

ALT or SGPT levels in the blood increase, indicating damage to liver cells. Doctors use this test to evaluate liver health, detect liver diseases such as hepatitis, and effectiveness of treatment. 

In short, the ALT or SGP test is like a report card for your liver’s health: Simple, Smooth, and Super Important!

SGPT Test Means This

ALT/SGPT inside liver cells (for cellular function & energy production) → Liver cell damage occurs → ALT/SGPT leaks into bloodstream → SGPT Test measures their level  → Elevated levels signal liver cell damage →  Doctors detect hepatitis or other liver conditions

• Normal ALT/SGPT levels indicate normal liver function. 
• Normal ALT/SGPT levels indicate liver stress or injury needing further evaluation.

SGPT Test Full Form

SGPT Test stands for Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, widely known as the ALT (alanine aminotransferase) test.

Common names for SGPT Test

Here are a few common names for the SGPT test:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT)
• Alanine aminotransferase
• Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
• GPT

What is the Need for the SGPT Test | The SGPT Test Benefits

Do you want to know how well your liver is functioning? Then your doctor may order a blood panel test that includes an ALT or SGPT test, following the 3 major benefits.

1. Liver Health Screening

The ALT or SGPT test detects early liver issues before symptoms appear. It catches health risks  associated with:

• Heavy alcohol use
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of liver disease

ALT tests are often included in routine blood panel tests (comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to evaluate your general overall health.

2. Liver Health Monitoring

Tracks liver health over time if you have existing liver conditions or are taking medicines that may damage the liver.

3. Liver Health Diagnosing

Assists doctors in investigating symptoms such as nausea, jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain by checking for liver injury or disease.

If you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms of liver conditions, then your doctor can order the ALT or SGPT test for proper diagnosis. 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Belly (abdominal) pain
• Jaundice 
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin

Note: The doctor can’t diagnose a condition based solely on ALT levels; it is part of a comprehensive diagnostic panel.

SGPT Normal Range

Knowing your SGPT normal range means you are taking a step toward caring for your liver health. This will help you to take the necessary action:

A. SGPT: Normal Range for Male

ALT levels are typically higher in males.

SGPT (ALT) Level (U/L)	Results Interpretation
Less than 10	Generally not a concern; may indicate vitamin B6 deficiency, chronic kidney disease or nutritional issues if symptomatic
10 – 40	Healthy range for male
41 – 100	Mild liver stress or early liver issues
Greater than 100	Potential liver damage or liver disease

B. SGPT Normal Range for Females

SGPT (ALT) Level (U/L)	Results Interpretation
Less than 7	Generally not a concern; may indicate vitamin B6 deficiency, chronic kidney disease or nutritional issues if symptomatic
7 – 35	Healthy range for females
36 – 100	Possible mild liver stress or early liver issues
Greater than 100	Possible liver damage or liver disease

C. SGPT Normal Range for Children

SGPT (ALT) Level (U/L)	Results Interpretation
Less than 7	Generally not a concern
7 – 56	Normal range for children
57 – 100	Could suggest mild liver stress or early liver disease
Greater than 100	Possible significant liver injury or disease

Note: It’s important to know that having a high ALT/SGPT test result doesn't always mean you have a medical condition. Hence, do not interpret the result on your own. Always take professional guidance.

What Disease Does SGPT Indicate?

ALT/SGPT test can help detect the following conditions:

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver)
• Cirrhosis (Progressive scarring of the liver)
• Liver ischemia

Less than 5% of people with elevated ALT or SGPT levels have severe liver conditions.

What Does It Mean if ALT or SGPT is High?

The main aim of the ALT blood test is to assess liver health. If cells in your liver are damaged, it can cause ALT to leak into the bloodstream, so an ALT blood test can help catch early liver issues, such as:

• Alcohol-induced liver injury
• Fatty liver disease/ fat deposit in your liver
• Liver ischemia (death of liver tissue due to inadequate blood flow to the liver)
• Hemochromatosis (excessive  iron in your body)
• Mononucleosis ("mono") is, contagious viral infection.
• Certain genetic conditions affecting the liver
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Taking medications that are not good for your liver
• Liver tumor or liver cancer

What Affects SGPT Levels?

There are many reasons why the SGPT levels can be elevated. Some of the seasons are as follows:

1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

It damages liver cells, raising SGPT levels in the bloodstream.

2. Liver Diseases

Conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis cause enzyme release due to liver cell injury.

3. Medications & Other Toxins

 Paracetamol, certain antibiotics, and toxins can harm the liver cells.

4. Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity and diabetes are metabolic disorders that lead to the accumulation of fat and inflammation in the liver.

5. Intense Exercise

Intense exercise can temporarily increase SGPT because of muscle strain and liver stress.

SGPT Test Cost

The price of the SGPT test can vary based on the laboratory or hospital you choose and the city you live in.

The typical SGPT Test Cost ranges between ₹169 and ₹399. The price can go up to ₹1000 as well.

For Example:

• ₹238 in Bangalore
• ₹250 in Delhi and Gurgaon
• ₹300 in Hyderabad

The prices can also vary depending on discounts or packages offered by the labs.

SGPT Test Cost Depends On

• Location
• Diagnostic Lab
• Test Packages or Full Body Checkup
• Home Sample Collection: Come With Additional charges
• Discounts and Offers by IRIS Multispeciality Hospital

What Are The Risks Of The SGPT Test?

It is generally safe and comes with no risk; however, in rare cases, it can cause the following at the site of injection:

• Slight pain or bruising
• Rare chance of infection
• Minor bleeding or hematoma (a solid swelling of clotted blood) under the skin
• Faint after the blood draw

How to Prepare for an SGPT Test?

There is no special preparation; just follow a few simple steps:

• Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test to ensure no elevation of the enzyme.
• Fasting is not usually required.
• Stay relaxed and hydrated before the blood sample is taken. This will help to achieve accurate results.
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements that may interfere with the results.

When Is The SGPT Test Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend the SGPT Test in the following situations:

• During routine health checkups.
• Monitor risk factors such as heavy alcohol use, obesity, or family history of liver disease.
• To know the reason behind jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, itching, nausea, and vomiting.
• To monitor existing liver conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), cirrhosis, or liver damage.
• To check the liver’s response to medications that may affect liver function.
• For early detection of liver damage due to existing health conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or hepatitis.

How to Maintain a Healthy SGPT Level?

You can maintain a healthy SGPT level by following these methods:

DO’s for Healthy SGPT Level

• Yes to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Yes, to exercise regularly to reduce fat buildup
• Yes to maintaining a healthy weight
• Yes to staying hydrated and getting regular liver function check-ups

Don’ts for Healthy SGPT Level

• No alcohol or consume it in moderation
• No fried and processed foods
• No unnecessary or self-medicated drugs
• No excessive fat and refined carbs

FAQs

Q1: Is the SGPT test for fatty liver?
A: Yes, the SGPT test helps detect liver conditions, including fatty liver. The test may show raised liver enzyme (ALT) levels when fat causes liver inflammation. However, interpretation is only done by a doctor.

Q2: Does an SGPT test require fasting?
A: The SGPT test usually does not require fasting. However, follow your doctor's instructions as your situation demands.

Q3: Can SGPT levels of 90 be reduced naturally?
A: SGPT levels of 90 can often be reduced naturally through a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, a less sedentary lifestyle, avoiding alcohol, and exercising regularly.