SGOT Test: Normal Range, Full Form, Price, Purpose and Results
The SGOT test, also known as the Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test, is a crucial blood test used to evaluate liver health. It measures the level of SGOT, in liver cells. SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase. It is an enzyme found in various organs, especially in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys.
When liver cells are damaged, they release SGOT into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. This test helps diagnose and monitor liver diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The normal range for SGPT levels usually falls between 5 and 34 units per liter (U/L) of blood. However, this range may slightly vary depending on the laboratory and testing method used.
The SGOT Test Price typically ranges from Rs 90 to Rs 200, depending on the diagnostic center and location.This test is often included in the Liver Function Test (LFT) panel and is essential for identifying liver damage and tracking the progress of liver-related conditions.
Why is the SGOT Test Performed?
Your doctor may recommend you an SGOT test because of the following symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent fatigue
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling
SGOT Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | AST Test, Aspartate Aminotransferase Test, Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) test, Transaminase test |
| Purpose | To measure the level of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the blood, which can indicate liver damage or other health conditions. |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you might be taking. |
| Fasting | No |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hours |
| Cost | Rs 90 to Rs 200 |
Price
The SGOT test price usually ranges from Rs 90 to Rs 200 when ordered individually. It is often part of a full LFT, the price of the test ranges from Rs 399 to Rs 800. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 506 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the SGOT prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 119 |
| Dr Lal Pathlabs | Rs 170 to Rs 200 (City-based) |
| Thyrocare Technologies | Rs 160 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 108 to Rs 135 (City-based) |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 136 |
| City X-Ray | Rs 113 |
| Shree Krishna Diagnostics | Rs 160 |
| PULSE IMAGING | Rs 196 |
| Janta X-Ray Clinic | Rs 102 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic |
Cost in Different Cities
The table below lists the city-wise price for the test. You can click on the city link to get the list of diagnostic centres with their price and discount.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| SGOT Test Price in Delhi | Rs 90 to Rs 153 |
| SGOT Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 119 to Rs 200 |
| SGOT Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 119 to Rs 135 |
| SGOT Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 87 to Rs 190 |
| SGOT Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 119 to Rs 200 |
| SGOT Test Price in Chennai | Rs 119 to Rs 170 |
| SGOT Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 108 to Rs 185 |
Purpose of the SGOT Test
The SGOT test serves multiple purposes:
- Liver Health Evaluation: Since SGOT is found in liver cells, an increase in its levels can indicate liver damage or disease. Elevated SGOT levels may point to liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Monitoring Liver Disease: For those already diagnosed with liver conditions, SGOT testing is useful for tracking disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments.
- Muscle Damage Detection: SGOT is also present in muscle tissue. High levels can indicate muscle injury or other conditions that affect muscles.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications, such as statins and acetaminophen, can cause liver damage. Routine SGOT tests help detect any potential liver harm from these drugs.
How to Prepare for the SGOT Test?
The SGOT test is simple and does not require fasting or any special preparations. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind before the test to ensure accurate results:
- Tell your doctor about any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take, as these can affect the results.
- If you take blood-thinning drugs or have a bleeding disorder, let your doctor know.
- Any medical conditions that may affect the test results.
SGOT Test Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risk Associated with the SGOT Test
The SGOT test is safe and simple, but like any blood test, it carries minor risks. These risks are rare, but it’s helpful to know about them.
Infection at the Puncture Site: There’s a slight chance of infection if sterilization isn’t done properly or if the needle is contaminated.
Tip: Ensure the phlebotomist uses a sterile needle and opens the packaging in front of you.
Difficulty Finding Veins: Some people have veins that are hard to locate, which may lead to multiple pricks during the test.
Excessive Bleeding: Bleeding at the puncture site might last longer, especially if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
Tip: Let your healthcare provider know if you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a history of bleeding problems.
Light-headedness or Dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy can happen, especially if you’re nervous or lose more blood than usual.
Minor Pain or Bruising: Mild pain or bruising at the puncture site is common but usually clears up in a few days.
SGOT Test Result
- The normal range of SGOT levels in the blood is between 5 and 34 units per liter (U/L).
- Higher than normal SGOT levels can indicate that, one of the muscles or organs that carry the enzyme may have been harmed. They include not only your liver but also your heart, brain, and kidneys.
- A high score—above 50 for males and 45 for women could indicate the following conditions-
- Muscle injury
- Liver Disease
- Heart Disease
- Intake of certain medications
- Conditions like pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, and certain viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis).
SGOT test is often recommended along with SGPT Test, another liver enzyme.
Normal Range Chart
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| SGOT | 5-34 | U/L |
Sample Report
SGOT Test Limitations
This can be useful in assessing liver function and detecting liver damage, but the test has some limitations.
- The SGOT test is not specific to the liver, as the enzyme AST is also found in other organs and tissues, such as the heart, muscles, and kidneys. Therefore, elevated levels of AST may not always be due to liver disease, and further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
- The SGOT test is not able to differentiate between different types of liver damage or disease, and it cannot diagnose a specific liver condition.
- The test may not be sensitive enough to detect mild liver damage, as AST levels may not become elevated until there is significant liver damage or disease.
- Factors other than liver damage can also affect AST levels, such as strenuous exercise, certain medications, and some medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when interpreting the results of the test.
- The SGOT test is not a definitive test for monitoring the effectiveness of certain medications that can cause liver damage. Other tests or imaging studies may be necessary to determine the extent of liver damage caused by these medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SGOT test is an important diagnostic method for evaluating liver health and identifying liver disease. High SGOT levels can be a sign of issues with the liver, although the test by itself cannot identify liver disease. Medical professionals frequently use this test in conjunction with other liver enzyme tests, such as the SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) test, to help diagnose and monitor liver disease. Elevated levels of AST may indicate liver damage, but the test alone cannot diagnose a specific liver condition or disease. Further testing, such as imaging studies or liver biopsy, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of elevated AST levels.
FAQs
The SGOT test is a blood test used to measure the amount of SGOT enzyme in the blood, which is primarily found in liver and muscle cells.
An SGOT test involves drawing blood from a vein in the arm and sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.
Preparation for an SGOT test typically involves avoiding eating or drinking for a few hours before the test to ensure accurate results.
It is generally safe and low-risk, individuals may experience temporary discomfort or bleeding at the site of the needle insertion.
Elevated SGOT levels may indicate liver damage or disease, as well as muscle damage or injury.
Yes, certain medications or supplements can affect SGOT levels in the blood, so it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of any medications being taken.
No, the SGOT test is often used in combination with other liver function tests and medical assessments to diagnose and monitor liver disease.
How To Book an SGOT Test?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.