What is SGOT Test?

If you have been experiencing any symptoms of liver diseases like Hepatitis A, B, and C, autoimmune hepatitis, Primary biliary cholangitis, Primary sclerosing cholangitis, then your doctor will recommend an SGOT test. However, you might also need to get this test done once a year if you have a habit of consuming alcohol regularly.

During the test, a doctor or nurse withdraws a certain amount of blood from the main vein in your arms. In most cases, a thin and small needle is used to draw up the required amount of blood into a syringe. Finally, a lab technician uses diagnostic testing equipment to measure SGOT levels in your blood sample.

If your test results show that your SGOT levels are elevated, then one or more organs that produce these enzymes may be damaged. The result of constantly elevated levels of SGOT in the bloodstream could lead to additional health complications. Hence, the damage to the organ should be treated as soon as possible.

While a healthy body produces enough SGOT enzymes to keep the liver functioning in optimal health, low levels of this enzyme can prove detrimental to overall health. If your SGOT test results show a low SGOT level, then you are at risk of developing Vitamin B6 deficiency, or any kind of kidney and/or liver disease.

AST or SGOT enzymes are produced in different parts of the body (including your liver). Whenever there is damage to any of these parts (or organs) in your body, the levels of AST or SGOT in your body increase. One of the leading causes of increased SGOT levels is muscle injury or even a heart attack.

High SGOT levels may cause symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), easy bruising, excessive bleeding, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, and itching of the skin. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

To lower high SGOT levels, it is important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause, such as hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other medical conditions. Treatment may involve medications and lifestyle modifications, such as quitting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.

Whether it is an SGPT or an SGOT test, you do not need to fast. Before going for your test, you need to continue consuming your regular diet in order to get the most accurate results. However, you should avoid consuming excessive alcohol or any kind of illicit drugs before taking this test.

Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.