Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)/ SGPT Test

• SGPT test is done for early detection of viral hepatitis and other necrotic infections. Typically the levels increase before the onset of clinical symptoms. 
• It is also used to monitor disease progression and measure the severity of a disease.
• A healthcare provider may also ask you to get the test done if you are at high risk of damage to the liver due to a family history of liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse disorder, consumption of medicines which can cause damage to the liver, and hepatitis.

A SGPT Alt serum test is done to measure the Alanine Transaminase. It can indicate the health status of the liver. It can help detect whether the liver is suffering from any infections or diseases.

An SGPT ALT serum test is done in much the same way as any other blood test. A healthcare provider will choose a spot around the inner corner of your arm opposite the elbow. He will clean it with a disinfectant. They might tie an elastic band around your arm to be able to view the veins more clearly. They will then use a clean needle to extract the required blood sample. They will store it in a vial. The procedure is mostly painless. The puncture site tends to heal within a few minutes.

• High SGPT levels indicate liver cell damage seen in hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic alcohol abuse, celiac disease, infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus, Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and hemochromatosis. 
• Low levels of ALT are seen in vitamin B6 deficiency.
• In infectious hepatitis ALT rises more than AST and the ALT/ AST ratio which is usually less than 1 becomes ≥1

Usually, taking an SGPT ALT serum test does not require any preparation. Your doctor may ask you to get the test done along with certain other tests. Usually, you do not need to fast before taking this test. However, follow your healthcare provider's instructions if any.

Undergoing an ALT serum test can help to tell the difference between damage resulting from acute liver problems and chronic liver problems. However, the extent of ALT in the blood is not related to how far your liver may be damaged.

There are some factors which can cause an increase in ALT levels in the blood. Some of these are as follows:

• Consumption of alcohol in large quantities
• Occurrence of hepatitis. It is an inflammatory condition in the liver
• Scarring and poor performance of the liver due to Cirrhosis due to exposure to toxins like viral infections
• Death of liver tissue
• A tumour in the liver
• Poor flow of blood to the liver
• Inflammation of the pancreas

• Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT)
• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
• Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT)
• SGPT Test
• ALT Test