The full form of SGPT is the Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. It is often called (ALT)alanine aminotransferase. It is an enzyme generally found in plasma, many body tissues, and mostly in the liver. This means that the highest concentration of SGPT is found in the liver. The amount of SGPT in the blood increases in liver disorders and other causes include diabetes, heart attack, obesity, hepatitis C, etc. Certain medications can also increase SGPT levels.
The SGPT blood test is performed to determine the amount of GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) in the blood serum.
Advantages of the SGPT test
- First, by getting SGPT blood tests, you can find out if your liver is diseased or weakened, and this will give you an indication of its functional status.
- The SGPT test will help you understand whether the SGPT level is stable or increasing.
- It is performed to classify liver insufficiency, liver dysfunction, viral hepatitis, jaundice and alcoholism.
- If the patient has signs of jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting or pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, tests are performed.
Features
- Once the SGPT test is performed, most laboratories consider a wide range from zero to 30 units per liter. In addition, it requires a minimum of 5 ml of blood sample to perform these tests.
- Many disorders and diseases can produce the highest levels of SGPT, such as acute viral hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C, celiac disease, diabetes, Epstein-Barr virus, heart attack, obesity, dermatomyositis, and cholecystitis.
- You will need to make some dietary adjustments to lower your SGPT levels. Adding vitamin D to your diet is an effective way to help prevent liver damage and also help reduce SGPT levels. Simple and regular workouts like swimming, brisk walking and jogging help improve your health quotient and also keep your liver healthy.
Risk associated with the SGPT test
Since ALT is a simple procedure, it may present some risks. For example, it can cause a scar in the area where the needle was inserted. After the needle is withdrawn, scarring can also be avoided by applying pressure to the injection site for a few minutes. Sometimes other complications can occur, e.g.
- Extreme bleeding at the injection site.
- Blood can collect under the skin, identified as a hematoma.
- Infection at the injection site, etc.