SGPT Full Form

SGPT full form is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. The term SGPT is majorly used for a test performed to measure the enzyme serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in blood. The objective of conducting the test is to diagnose acute liver problems such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. As we all know the importance of the liver, it becomes essential to take care of the liver. And keeping track of the SGPT levels in our blood is one of the ways to check how effectively our liver is working. Wondering how the SGPT test helps in finding the health of the liver? Continue reading to get your answer.

What is SGPT Full Form?

The full form of SGPT is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase. Though it is an enzyme created by the liver, the term is commonly used for the popular blood test prescribed by doctors to check the functionality of the liver. Another name used for the SGPT test is the ALT blood test, the full form of which is alanine aminotransferase.

SGPT Overview

 History of SGPT

SGPT, full form of which is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, was first founded in January 1955 by Arthur Karmen and his colleagues F. Wroblewski and J.S. Ladue. The discovery was shared with the world through “The Journal of Clinical Investigation” report having an article titled “Transaminase Activity in Human Blood.”

SGPT as an Enzyme

SGPT is an enzyme that is found in the liver and heart cells. In addition to the liver, this enzyme can also be found in cardiac cells, kidneys, and muscles. A high level of SGPT in the blood is a sign of damaged liver and heart. Diseases like blockage of arteries, Viral Hepatitis, or some medicines can be the reason for an increased level of SGPT in the blood. Any damage in the liver or heart can increase the SGPT level by almost 50 times the normal level. The only way to find the exact level of SGPT in the blood is the SGPT or ALT Test. The test also helps in finding out the severity of the infection, the impact of the medicines suggested, and more.

Causes of High SGPT

Though there can be various reasons for increased SGPT in blood, some of the common causes of high SGPT levels are:

• Liver damage from hepatitis
• Liver damage from high alcohol consumption
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Gallbladder stones

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Some of the symptoms that work as an alarm for the increased level of SGPT in the blood are:

• Jaundice
• Dark Urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the right upper part of the abdomen

What are the Features of SGPT Tests?

The test helps in measuring the level of ALT in the blood. Doctors can check for liver damage or disease prevalence based on the reports. As per the doctors, for a healthy liver, the normal levels of SGPT should range between 8-45 units. SGPT level above 56 is a sign of danger for the liver. 

When conducting the test in a lab, a tester may come across the following features that will be discussed below:

• To conduct the SGPT test successfully, at least 5 ml of blood is required for accurate evaluation. Following the test, many labs take into account a specific range that generally moves between zero to 30 units per liter.
• Regular physical activities or certain changes in the dietary routine need to be introduced to bring down the level of SGPT. Studies show that increasing the intake of vitamin D in a diet can stimulate liver health.
• Certain health disorders or prolonged illnesses like hepatitis B, diabetes, obesity, or any kind of inflammation often lead to increased levels of SGPT. 

What’s the purpose of the SGPT Test?

As already discussed SGPT test allows doctors to understand the condition of a person’s liver because it measures SGPT levels, which is liver enzyme. The enzyme is generally found in the liver, heart cells, muscles, and kidneys. Some of the important roles played by this test have been mentioned below:

• Smooth function of the liver: This test helps people diagnose any liver-related issues early so that the right steps can be taken without delay. Generally, people facing any sort of liver issues or those who have suffered from impaired liver can undergo this test.
• Diagnosis of liver tumor: A tumor is an abnormal outgrowth of tissue in the liver. With the help of SGPT tests, doctors can easily diagnose if there’s a tumor existing in teh liver or not.
• Indication of liver damage: It is often difficult to understand the condition of internal organs which is where the role of the SGPT test becomes vital. It helps in checking the health of the liver and indicates any warning signs.

When Do Doctors Recommend SGPT Test?

Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, the full form of which in the medical sector is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, is a test suggested by doctors to check the levels of Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase in blood. The common conditions when doctors recommend this test are:

• When doctors notice that the liver is damaged
• When doctors want to check the impact of the current medicines
• When doctors want to diagnose diseases like jaundice, hepatitis, and hepatic failure
• When doctors want to monitor the existing level of SGPT