SGPT ALT Blood Test

SGPT test

It is a simple blood test that measures SGPT levels in blood. The full form of SGPT is serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase. It is also called as ALT (alanine aminotransferase).

ALT is similar to aspartate transaminase (AST) in that both enzymes are associated with liver parenchymal cells. ALT is found in plasma and in various body tissues but is most common in the liver. It catalyzes the two parts of the alanine cycle. Serum ALT level, serum AST (aspartate transaminase) level, and their ratio (AST/ALT ratio) are commonly measured clinically as biomarkers for liver health.

ALT blood test is used to look for damage to liver in various conditions. ALT helps to convert food into energy. In healthy person ALT levels are low but if liver is a damaged ALT level increase in blood. 

Why is SGPT test prescribed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you to do this test to look for damage to liver due to medicines, diseases or injury such as:

High levels are seen in:
1.Viral hepatitis, liver damage, bile duct diseases
2.Diabetes,
3.congestive heart failure,
4.Drugs such as zileuton, omega-3 acid ethyl esters, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cholesterol
medications, some antipsychotics such as risperidone, and anticonvulsants etc.
5.infectious mononucleosis,
6.Reye syndrome 

This test is also done to monitor response to treatment of liver disease. It is also done as routine tests as a part of health check up.

Reference range

Normal levels-05 to 33 units /litre

The reference values may vary from lab to lab.