What is SGPT Test Normal Ranges, Uses, Causes, Symptoms & More

The SGPT full form is (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase), SGPT Test is done to examine the levels of GPT in the blood. GPT or glutamic pyruvic transaminase is an enzyme that is produced by the heart, liver, muscle, and kidney cells. Although, the test is mostly done to check the condition of the liver and assess the potential risk to its functioning due to an underlying condition. One other name for SGPT is ALT or Alanine Aminotransferase which has the same characteristics as SGPT. It is attached to the liver parenchymal cells and is found in human tissues. 

SGPT test is useful in detecting various health conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc., that are liver diseases. The test helps to identify the real cause behind the liver damage and therefore it can be managed properly. The test involves a blood sample that is taken with the help of a needle prick and is sent to the labs for testing.

What is meant by a SGPT Test?

SGPT, which is also known as Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase is a kind of enzyme that is present in the liver and plays an important role in the metabolism of body. The health of the liver is essentially assessed by the SGPT Test. If there’s a risk of a potential liver disease, the SGPT test along with SGOT can assess that and help in taking the right step to cure the same.

The SGPT normal range is between 7 to 55 U/L, but it also depends on the factors such as age, gender, family history of diseases, present health condition, lifestyle, etc. if the levels are higher than the normal level, they signify liver damage due to underlying health conditions. Regular tests are therefore necessary to maintain the normal levels and liver health to avoid serious complications. If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent urination, nausea, fever, etc., it is possible that there is an underlying condition that could affect your liver health and therefore taking this test is essential.

What is the need of SGPT Test?

The test helps in detecting liver related diseases and identifies potential risk to the liver. It is useful in detecting the impact of medications and treatment that the individual is taking to cure a liver disease. People who are at a high risk of a liver damage need to get this test and take a follow-up with their doctor if there’s a need for any additional tests. The need of the test is due to following reasons:

• To find out liver damage, or disorder
• Heart failure or heart related disease
• Diabetes
• Impact of medications like aspirin. Omega-3, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, etc.
• Reye syndrome
• Contagious mononucleosis

What is ALT - SGPT Normal Range in Men & Women?

For men, a typical Alt - SGPT Normal Range of 29 50 33 U/L is normal, whereas in women, the normal range between 19 to 25 U/L is considered normal. The normal range is higher in men rather than women. A range between 7 to 55 U/L is a normal range but it also depends on various factors such as age, gender, health condition, etc. Any value lower or higher than the normal range is considered dangerous and indicates liver damage.

What symptoms occur if the SGPT is dangerously high?

Following health problems can occur if the SGPT & SGOT levels are higher than normal, such as:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Excessive or unexplained weight loss

What causes SGPT & SGOT levels to increase?

The levels of SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) increase because of the following causes that mainly affect the liver as well as other organs:

• Hepatitis A, B & C
• Fatty liver
• Muscle injury
• Heart related diseases
• Cirrhosis
• Medications

What is the procedure of SGPT Test?

• Sample Collection – First and foremost, the test requires blood sample that is taken by a trained phlebotomist from home. The blood sample is taken using a needle that draws blood from a vein on your arm and it gets collected in a clean container. It is done while following a safety procedure where the phlebotomist wears gloves, mask, and uses a clean needle to draw blood.

• Lab test – The sample is then taken to the laboratories where they are first checked for quality and temperature. Then the sample is tested using the advanced and updated technology. The laboratories have experienced medical professionals including doctors, scientists, researchers, etc.

• Results – Once the test is complete, the reports are made fort the respective customer and they are either emailed or delivered at their address. The reports are prepared by the lab technicians using graphical images and are easy to understand.

• Doctor’s consultation – Once the test is done, a doctor’s follow-up is also necessary to understand the condition and requirement of an additional test. An additional test may help to now the underlying cause of an abnormal range of SGPT, and necessary medication could help bring it back to normal.

How to reduce SGPT and SGOT naturally?

• Healthy & nutritious diet – Consuming a healthy diet daily that is filled with veggies, and fruits is a good way to maintain overall well-being. It is best to consume vegetarian food to achieve long lasting good health. A diet that is rich in protein and nutrition can help fight the potential risk of diseases naturally.

• Exercise – Along with a diet, regular physical activity is extremely important to maintain good health, that is void of health issues. Exercise helps in the proper blood circulation, controls weight, and reduces the risk of fatty liver. 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise is essential everyday for everyone.

• Limit alcohol – Too much alcohol consumption could result in a fatty liver and other diseases related to liver. If you cannot completely quit, you can consume it in a limited amount occasionally to avoid liver problems.

• Vaccination – A vaccination against hepatitis A, B & C is important to avoid liver inflammation. If you are at a risk of a liver disease, you must get vaccinated as soon as you can.

• Regular check-ups – To maintain good health of liver, regular checkups are essential. They help in monitoring the liver function and health of the liver. Taking regular checkups may help in detecting liver-related disease in time and provide a better outcome.

Why should you do a regular SGPT Testing?

A regular testing for ALT- (Alanine Transaminase) SGPT Test helps in maintaining a healthy liver. If the SGPT levels are not maintained regularly, it might cause alarming health problems and could cause liver damage. Along with regular checkups, self-care is equally important to decrease the risk of liver diseases. This process can become easier if you consult with a healthcare professional on a regular basis who can guide you through the importance of tests, treatment, and lifestyle changes. 

Conclusion

SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) test is a useful test in detecting various liver-related diseases, potential risk of ailments, disorders, progress of treatments, and medications, and find out the exact underlying cause of the liver damage. People who are at risk of these diseases should maintain a habit of taking these tests regularly. Apart from that, people already taking a treatment or medication for a liver-related disease should take this test frequently to see the progress of their treatment and move ahead accordingly with their treatment.

Having said that, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid such complications as much as possible. Some lifestyle changes can start from consuming healthy & nutritious food that includes leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc., staying hydrated, doing exercise regularly, and taking health checkups to stay aware about your present physical condition. You must also avoid consuming alcohol if you are already suffering from a liver damage, and if you cannot quit at once, try to take it in a moderate quantity. By following these steps, you can control your health in a long run and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. R K Aggarwal