An Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test, also known as a Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) test, is a simple blood test that measures the level of the ALT enzyme in the blood. ALT is predominently found in the liver, though it is also present in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, and muscles.

The ALT test is essential for evaluating liver health. Under normal conditions, only a small amount of ALT is present in the blood. Elevated levels of ALT, however, indicate that the liver is damaged or inflamed, as more of the enzyme is released into the bloodstream. While the SGPT test is a valuable tool for assessing liver function, it does not detect the specific cause of the damage.

Increased ALT levels can be an outcome of various conditions, including alcohol-induced liver damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, and liver damage caused by certain medications or herbal supplements. Other causes may include genetic liver disorders and infections like viral hepatitis.

The ALT test is usually included in a liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel to assess liver function. At Orange Health Labs we offer this test as a single test. The results help doctors determine if your liver is functioning properly and whether further investigation or treatment is needed.

If you live in Bangalore and are concerned about your liver health, you can schedule an ALT/SGPT Test in Bangalore at your convenience and have it done at home.

Consider the following points before scheduling an ALT/SGPT Test at home:

• Prerequisites

Fasting is not required before taking the ALT/SGPT test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The ALT/SGPT test can be scheduled at any time of the day.

• Who Should Get an ALT/SGPT Test

An ALT/SGPT test is recommended for individuals showing symptoms of jaundice or abdominal pain, those with a history of liver disease, heavy drinkers, and people taking medications causing hepatotoxicity. This test is essential for evaluating liver function.

• Cautions Before Taking an ALT/SGPT Test

There are no special precautions required for the ALT/SGPT test, as it is a simple blood test involving a blood draw. If you have any questions about preparation, it is best to talk to a doctor. They can provide you with specific instructions based on your individual health needs.

The ALT/SGPT test is a useful tool for evaluating liver health. ALT, an enzyme primarily found in the liver, can indicate liver damage when present in elevated levels in the blood. Here are a few reasons to take the ALT test:

• Screening : Regular ALT testing is crucial for early detection of liver problems, especially if you have risk factors such as heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, a family history of liver disease, or drug use involving shared needles. Even in the absence of these risk factors, ALT tests are often included in routine health check-ups, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), to monitor overall health.

• Monitoring : For those already diagnosed with liver conditions, the ALT test helps track the disease’s progress. It shows whether the liver condition is improving, worsening, or stable. This is particularly important for those undergoing treatment or taking medications that may affect liver function. Regular ALT testing provides valuable information on the liver’s response to treatment and whether adjustments are needed.

• Diagnosing : If you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, or itchy skin, an ALT test may be part of the diagnostic process. While elevated ALT levels alone do not diagnose a specific liver condition, they are essential for guiding further tests and evaluations.

In summary, an ALT or SGPT test plays a key role in screening, monitoring, and diagnosing liver health issues, offering important insights that help in the effective management and treatment of liver conditions.

A value below 50 U/L is generally regarded as normal, though this range can differ based on age and sex, and may vary between laboratories.

Elevated ALT levels can suggest liver dysfunction due to conditions such as liver inflammation (acute or chronic hepatitis), liver scarring (cirrhosis), or liver tumours. High ALT levels are also commonly observed in steatohepatitis, acute Budd-Chiari syndrome, ischemic hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, hemochromatosis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson disease, Celiac disease, and obesity. Additionally, increased ALT may be associated with medications/toxins. It can also indicate problems outside the liver, such as muscle damage, inflammation, or heart conditions.

Increased ALT levels provide the doctor with important information to help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide further testing or treatment.