SGPT Test

The alanine aminotransferase test is used to measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase enzyme in the blood. This indicates the damage of the liver. This test is usually a part of liver function test Alanine aminotransferase enzyme is made by liver cells. Usually, alanine aminotransferase levels are low, but when the liver is damaged the alanine aminotransferase levels will be high in your blood. A high level of alanine aminotransferase in blood indicates liver damage or damage to other organs like heart or kidneys.

When alanine aminotransferase is released?

Alanine aminotransferase is released when your liver or muscles are damaged. Mainly alanine aminotransferase is found in liver, heart, brain, kidney, muscles and red blood cells and small amounts are found in the bloodstream. It is released into serum whenever any one of these tissues are damaged. Alanine aminotransferase is also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT).

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like yellow skin or yellow eyes, stomach pain, tiredness or weakness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, swollen abdomen, diarrhea, bleeding difficulties, severe itching, dark coloured urine or light coloured stools, swollen legs or ankles, bruises, weight loss, etc.

This may also be recommended to you even if you do not experience above symptoms but have a family history of liver disease, alcoholism, diabetes, obesity, medicines that cause liver damage (acetaminophen, clopidogrel, estrogens, etc) or to evaluate the treatment.

Precautions:

Some diseases or medicines may interfere with the test results and give you false positive in alanine aminotransferase test. They include mononucleosis, Cirrhosis, etc. medicines such as statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin), aspirin, too much of vitamin A etc. Alcohol abuse may also increase the alanine aspartate levels in the blood. Hence inform your doctor or technician about all your current medications, medical conditions, and habits prior to the test.

The normal test results may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc. Females tend to have low levels than males. It will be more in older individuals.

If your alanine aminotransferase test levels are higher than normal levels then it may indicate acute viral hepatitis, swollen liver or liver inflammation, scarring of the liver, liver ischemia where there is a reduced blood flow to the liver, fatty liver, death of liver tissue, liver cancer, blockage of bile ducts, increased levels of iron in the body, heart attack, muscle trauma or muscle injury, inflammation of pancreas, overdose of toxins or drugs, etc.

In some conditions, alanine aminotransferase levels are high in Celiac disease, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.