What is the SGOT Test? What does it mean?
The medical term SGOT stands for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST). It is an essential liver enzyme that plays a significant role in our body. Its main functions are metabolizing fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and hormones, detoxing, ketone formation, and maintaining blood sugar stages. Additionally, it also helps in digestion.
The SGOT test is the most useful blood test to assess liver health. As a doctor, in this article, I will explain what the SGOT test involves and what the results show. I hope you enjoy the valuable information it provides.
What are the uses of the SGOT Test?
The main test of an SGOT test is to analyze the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level in the bloodstream. At some stage of the frame, AST is found in various tissues, with excessive concentrations in liver and coronary heart muscle cells.
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When these cells are damaged or injured, AST is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in levels detectable by SGOT. For example, these limits are sometimes increased during a heart attack or muscle damage. It is used to assess liver damage and any condition that is associated with the liver, such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, etc.
What is the procedure for the SGOT test?
SGOT is a simple blood test usually done by drawing a small blood sample from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Patients should follow any initial instructions their healthcare experts provide, such as certain factors, including current alcohol use or medication use, that may affect the effects.
As a healthcare professional, this is the most common question from patients in my clinical practice: Is it necessary to fast for the SGOT test? So, the answer is that it is not required. You continue your diet before taking the test for the most accurate results. But, before taking this test, you should refrain from taking any illegal drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
Steps of involved in SGOT test
- The technician will call you back and guide you to the chair. You will be asked to sit comfortably.
- The technician will tie an elastic band tightly around your arm to make the veins more visible and accessible. They will find a suitable vein from which to draw blood.
- The selected area of your arm can be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to protect you from infection.
- Using a sterile needle, the technician will puncture the vein and draw blood into a small vial. This process usually takes about a minute.
- After the blood is drawn, the technician will apply gauze to the puncture site to stop the bleeding. They will remove the elastic band and bandage the puncture site to protect it.
- A small bruise at the puncture site may last up to a week. So don’t worry about it because it is normal.
- The machine will process the blood sample, which usually takes a few hours. However, it may take several days to get the results back from your doctor.
Do you want to Ease the SGOT test?
I advise following these three steps before proceeding to any blood test.
- Before the test starts, inform your doctor of all your medications so they may consider that while reviewing the results.
- Additionally, make sure to hydrate well the night before the test. It will be easier for your technician to take your blood if you stay hydrated.
- Ensure your clothing makes it easy for the technician to take a blood sample from your forearm, preferably up to the elbow.
What are the results of the SGOT Test?
SGOT examination results are expressed as the range of AST in the blood, usually measured in units per litre (U/L) of blood in the instrument. The range of normal levels can vary greatly depending on the laboratory and the exact approach used for testing, although common reference levels fall between 10 and 40 U/L.
A value greater than 50 for a cisgender male and 45 for a cisgender female indicates possible liver dysfunction.
There are three levels of SGOT:
- LOW LEVEL
- NORMAL LEVEL
- HIGH LEVEL
Low Level
Although the liver needs enough SGOT enzymes to perform its best function, inadequate levels of this enzyme can destroy general health. If your SGOT looks at results indicating low SGOT degrees, you’re at risk for nutrition B6 deficiency and any form of liver or kidney ailment.
Normal Levels
Normal SGOT levels do not indicate significant liver or heart damage. However, it is essential that normal levels no longer rule out fitness problems of all abilities, as some conditions will not cause an increase in AST degrees.
High Levels
High SGOT levels often indicate liver or coronary heart damage or infection. Liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, can elevate AST levels. Additionally, coronary heart conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or congestive coronary heart failure can also cause elevated SGOT degrees.
Other Considerations
Interpretation of SGOT results with other scientific findings and additional investigations is essential. Elevated SGOT levels alone no longer provide a definitive diagnosis but signal the need for further testing for fitness issues.
Follow-up and Diagnosis
If SGOT levels are elevated, diagnostic tests may be recommended to determine the underlying cause. Depending on the suspected condition, these may include additional blood tests, imaging tests (such as ultrasound or MRI), or a liver biopsy. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Conclusion
The SGOT check is precious in assessing liver and coronary heart fitness, presenting insights into capability harm or irritation. However, it’s vital to interpret results in the affected person’s general clinical picture and follow up with suitable diagnostic measures to evaluate and control any underlying conditions thoroughly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the treatment for high SGOT ranges?
To reduce excessive SGOT levels, it is important to diagnose and treat underlying causes, including hepatitis, alcoholism, or other underlying conditions. Treatment may also include pharmaceutical drugs and lifestyle adjustments, including stopping alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.
Q2: What are the most common symptoms of SGOT?
The common symptoms of SGOT are nausea, darkish-coloured urine, pale stools, weakness, etc.
Q3: How can my SGOT level be reduced?
Eating a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, cereals, and lean proteins will assist you in keeping liver fitness. Reduce your consumption of processed foods and saturated fats. Quickly returning the SGPT and SGOT every day will result from this.