Know Everything About the SGOT Blood Test?

SGOT (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) blood test is also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) test. This test determines the level of AST in blood to check whether the liver is functioning well or not. Further, the result derived from this test reveals the severity of one’s condition based on the enzymes in the blood.

Continue reading this piece to learn what this SGOT test means.

The SGOT blood test is a liver profile that evaluates the quantity of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase present in one’s blood. These levels fluctuate when a damaged liver cell releases the enzyme in the blood.

Furthermore, high AST levels may indicate liver damage and other organs that make this enzyme. This AST enzyme is primarily found in the liver and is also present in other body parts, such as –

• Heart
• Kidney
• Muscles

The uses of the SGOT test are as follows -

• Doctors use an SGOT test to diagnose liver problems or the degree of liver disease. Liver damage increases the amount of SGOT in your blood.
• People with hepatitis C and other liver conditions may get a more accurate evaluation of liver health using this blood test.
• Your serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels are measured when your doctor suspects that you’ve had a heart attack or muscle injury.
• This SGOT test gives an overview of how well your liver is functioning. It's a blood test that measures one of the two main liver enzymes, SGOT, which is found in the highest concentrations in the liver.

A doctor may order blood test when an individual develops symptoms of liver damage such as –

• Jaundice with yellow eyes or skin
• Light-coloured poop
• Weakness
• Dark-coloured urine
• Swollen belly
• Tiredness
• Stomach pain
• Appetite loss
• Bruises
• Itchy skin
• Swelling in ankles and legs

Other reasons for this blood examination are as follows –

• Individuals exposed to hepatitis virus.
• An individual who is a heavy alcohol drinker.
• One takes medicine that can damage the liver.
• Someone with a family medical history of liver-related diseases.
• Individuals suffering from obesity.
• Someone suffering from metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
• Individuals with a medical history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The SGOT test can be done via a simple blood draw. It is technically possible to have this procedure done without any preparation, but a few steps can make this process less stressful.

• One should avoid OTC medications two days before this test, including acetaminophen (Tylenol). Still, one should mention the same to doctors if consumed.
• The medications you are taking should be reported to your doctor before they give you this test so that they can account for them when interpreting its results.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated the night before your test so that your technician won't have to work as hard to get a sample.
• When visiting your doctor for blood work, wear a long-sleeved shirt so that a lab technician can easily access your arm.

These underlying steps are involved while performing the SGOT test –

• A lab technician will extract a sample of your blood from a vein in your arm.
• The lab technician will wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your veins swell with blood.
• A technician will use an antiseptic to clean a swelled-up area and then insert a needle into one of the veins.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or tube.
• The test should take only a couple of minutes.
• After the blood is drawn, the lab technician removes the band and pulls the needle out.
• A bandage and a piece of gauze will be applied where the needle was inserted to stop bleeding.

Though this test is usually safe still, some unforeseen minor risks can arise. They are as follows –

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Infection
• Pain on inserting needle
• Fainting or feeling dizzy

After one’s blood sample is taken, laboratories implement various methods to analyse it, and the results are sent to the doctors. Further, the doctors classify them in different ranges as high, low or normal.

The normal AST levels in the blood can vary from person to person. Hence any exact range is unavailable. Further, these results may vary with different labs implementing diverse analysing methods. Further, the same can vary based on certain factors like -

• Sex
• Race
• Age
• Weight

Moreover, the SGOT levels are measured in IU/L (international units per litre) or U/L (units per litre). Further, each laboratory will possess a specific list of the reference range. So, people should consult with their physician while considering the reference range to further understand its meaning.

If the SGOT levels are high it may signify –

• Chronic hepatitis
• Liver cancers
• Cirrhosis is particularly known as liver scarring.
• Cholestasis, a decrease in bile flow
• Damage from alcohol
• Scarring to bone, muscle, kidney and heart

A very high level of SGOT in the blood indicates –

• Kidney disease
• Cirrhosis
• Autoimmune conditions
• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• Liver disease
• Genetic conditions

If you have an inconclusive test result for your SGOT, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other causes for your elevated enzyme level. They are as follows -

• Glucose tests: A malfunctioning liver can lead to low glucose levels.
• Platelet count: Low levels of platelet may indicate liver disease.
• Complete metabolic panel: This assesses the levels of electrolytes and reflects how healthy the kidney and liver are functioning
• Viral testing: This test helps to check for hepatitis.
• Imaging: A procedure to generate images of one’s liver through ultrasound.
• Coagulation panel: It assesses blood's ability to clot and further provides info on the functioning of the liver, producing clotting factor proteins.
• Bilirubin test: A by-product produced from the routine breakdown of red blood cells in the liver and is released as bile.

Doctors may order a complete blood panel (CBP) if you have an unexplained AST level. The CBC tests the function of all organs and muscles, not just the liver.

Doctors may order an SGOT blood test to check for liver damage or disease signs. Doctors will also typically order other tests, such as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase, to obtain additional information on the liver's health.