Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) or the SGPT test is a significant liver test and SGPT test uses are normal checks and diagnostics. The body uses ALT or SGPT mainly in liver cells to change proteins into energy. If you suffer from an injury, infection or disease, the liver may become inflamed or damaged; ALT will then enter the blood, leading to higher levels on an ALT blood test.

Later alanine aminotransferase levels allow for the identification of liver disease like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis before it develops into something that causes symptoms. This makes the SGPT test an effective early predictor. Some risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcoholism, and regular use of some drugs are linked with increased odds of being subject to liver stress or damage and can be assisted by regular ALT test as a preventive measure.

What is SGPT Test?

Full Form is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. SGPT also measures the amount of ALT in blood. ALT is a very useful enzyme that breaks down proteins into cellular energy in the liver. The moment the liver is injured, ALT gets into the bloodstream, thus it is a very good liver health indicators. Abnormally SGPT high levels on the lab result can be evidence of hepatitis, fatty liver condition, or cirrhosis.

Level abnormalities of SGPT are in most cases not a reason for concern but, in some cases, indicate vitamin B6 deficiency or other disease. Routine follow-up with liver enzyme test is an early indicator and management of any disease of underlying cause of the liver.

Why is the SGPT Test Done?

The SGPT test is generally used to:

  • Evaluate Liver Function: Determine the degree to which the liver is functioning as it should.
  • Diagnose Liver Damage: Detection of alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or hepatitis.
  • Determine Effectiveness of Treatment: Evaluate success of liver disease treatment.
  • Screen Liver Diseases: Particularly in high-risk patients, e.g., for obesity, diabetes, or alcohol abuse.

Disease of elevated SGPT levels are:

  • Hepatitis A, B, or C
  • Alcoholic liver disease
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver tumors
  • Cardiac disorders: Such as congestive heart failure or acute myocardial infarct
  • Muscle disease

How to Prepare for an SGPT Test?

SGPT test preparation is minimal in most situations:

  • Fasting: In most cases, you will not be asked to fast. However, if the test is included as part of a standard panel, you will be asked to fast for 8-12 hours by your doctor.
  • Medications: Let your health care provider know all the medications and food supplements to be consumed because some affect the level of alanine aminotransferase.
  • Clothing: Wear a short-sleeve shirt or a shirt with simple roll-up sleeves so that it will be easy to draw blood.
  • Do Not Drink Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol 24 hours prior to test because it will affect test results.
Always take special instructions given by your doctor to perform proper test.

SGPT Test Procedure

SGPT blood test is a routine blood test:

  • Preparation: A health professional will clean the skin, likely the bend of your elbow, with an antiseptic.
  • Blood Draw: A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to push the blood toward the veins. A needle is inserted into a vein to prepare to withdraw a blood sample.
  • Post-Procedure: Need is withdrawn when sample is aspirated and pressure is put to stop any bleeding.
  • Duration: It would last approximately 5-10 minutes.
The blood aspirated is sent to be analyzed in a laboratory. Results are ready within 24 to 48 hours.


What to Expect After the SGPT Test?

Normal life can be resumed immediately after the test. Some individuals might experience:

  • Bleeding: At the site of puncture.
  • Mild Discomfort: Which will in most cases soon vanish.
If you're bleeding too much, swelling too much, or constantly in pain, call your doctor. You need to visit your doctor to obtain a comprehensive picture of their implications.

Interpretation of SGPT Test Results

  • Normal Range: 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L)
  • Within Normal Range: SGPT normal range shows that the liver is normal.
  • High Values: Can mean liver inflammation or damage. Suspected causes are: (Viral Hepatitis, Alcoholic Liver Disease, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cirrhosis, Liver Tumours, Heart Disorders, Muscle Disorders)
  • Low Levels: SGPT low levels are not typically harmful but at times a marker for deficiency of vitamin B6.
Comparison to the result of another test and clinical picture is advised. Other testing or diet modification will be requested by your physician based on results.

Conditions Identified with SGPT Test

SGPT test identifies a variety of conditions

  • Liver Disease: Including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver.
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease: Secondary to alcohol abuse.
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): In diabetic or obese patients.
  • Liver Tumours: Benign and cancerous tumors.
  • Cardiac Conditions: Like heart failure or recent myocardial infarction.
  • Muscle Disorders: Like muscular dystrophy.
Early diagnosis and proper management of conditions with repeated follow-up by liver function test.

SGPT Test vs. LFT Test

SGPT Test

  • Purpose: Mainly evaluates the blood level of ALT.
  • Application: Directly measures liver cell damage.

Liver Function Test (LFT):

  • Full Panel: Group of tests including SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin.
  • Purpose: Provides a general idea regarding how good the liver is working, whether it is capable of synthesising proteins or not, and whether it can clear off waste products.
ALT SGPT difference is that the test of SGPT provides very little information about the harm done to the liver cell, the test of LFT provides the complete picture of the working of the liver. Doctors predominantly recommend both tests in order to achieve the overall picture.

SGPT Test Price in Pakistan

The SGPT test cost in Pakistan also varies with the lab and the city:

  • Price Range: PKR 250 to PKR 3,000
  • Major Cities: In major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, the cost is approximately PKR 400 to PKR 1,050.
  • Discounts: Some labs offer discounts or packages, particularly for health platform or online appointments.
Prices are better with reputable labs and on report turn-around time and in-home sample collection services.

Book lab tests from the best-certified labs in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, and get a discount of up to 35%. For assistance, call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the right lab test for your health needs.