An Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test, also called a Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) test, is a straightforward blood test that measures the concentration of the ALT enzyme in your bloodstream. While ALT is mostly found in the liver, it can also be present in smaller amounts in the heart, kidneys, and muscles.

This test plays a key role in assessing liver function. Under typical circumstances, only a small amount of ALT circulates in the blood. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, higher levels of ALT are released into the bloodstream, signalling potential liver issues. Although the SGPT test helps in evaluating liver health, it does not identify the exact cause of liver damage.

Elevated ALT levels can result from a variety of conditions, such as liver damage due to chronic hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or liver injury caused by certain drugs or herbal remedies. Other contributing factors may include genetic liver disorders or infections like viral hepatitis.

Typically, the ALT test is part of a liver function panel or a comprehensive metabolic panel, but at Orange Health Labs, we provide it as an individual test as well. The test results give physicians important insights into liver health, guiding further diagnostic steps or treatments.

If you're residing in Delhi and have concerns about your liver, you can easily book an ALT/SGPT test at your convenience and have it performed from the comfort of your home.

Take the following factors into account before arranging for an ALT/SGPT test at home:

• Prerequisites

Fasting is not a requirement before the ALT/SGPT test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

You can have the ALT/SGPT test done at any time during the day.

• Who Should Get an ALT/SGPT Test

This test is recommended for those displaying symptoms such as jaundice or abdominal pain, individuals with a history of liver conditions, heavy drinkers, and patients taking medications that could affect liver function. It is essential for assessing liver performance.

• 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 key tool for assessing liver health. Elevated levels of ALT, an enzyme primarily located in the liver, can indicate liver damage. Here are several reasons to consider undergoing the ALT test:

• Screening : Routine ALT testing is critical for the early detection of liver issues, especially in individuals with risk factors like heavy drinking, obesity, diabetes, a family history of liver diseases, or intravenous drug use. Even without these risks, ALT tests are often included in routine health evaluations, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), to keep track of overall health.

• Monitoring : For those already diagnosed with liver conditions, the ALT test is important for monitoring disease progression. It helps assess whether the liver condition is improving, worsening, or stable, which is especially important for patients receiving treatment or medications that may impact liver function. Regular ALT tests provide valuable insights into the liver's response to treatment and whether adjustments are necessary.

• 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 result below 50 U/L is usually regarded as normal, but this range can fluctuate based on age and gender, and sex may differ from one laboratory to another.

An increase in ALT levels may suggest liver dysfunction due to various conditions, including liver inflammation (acute or chronic hepatitis), cirrhosis, or tumours. High levels of ALT are also often associated with steatohepatitis, acute Budd-Chiari syndrome, ischemic hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson's disease, Celiac disease, and obesity. Furthermore, elevated ALT can result from medications or toxins and may indicate problems outside the liver, such as muscle injury, inflammation, or heart issues.

High ALT levels supply valuable data that assists the doctor in pinpointing the underlying issues related to your symptoms and in recommending further tests or treatments.