Ast/Sgpt

The SGPT (ALT) test, with ALT standing for alanine aminotransferase, is a blood test used to detect liver damage. The liver is one of the important organs of the human body carrying out several vital roles. The liver helps in the production of bile, which in turn helps to digest food. It also helps in the removal of waste products and toxins from the blood and the production of proteins and cholesterol. Occurrence of diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis or intake of certain drugs can cause harm to the liver. The enzyme alanine aminotransferase is mainly found in the liver. This ALT enzyme is used by the body for the breakdown of food and the production of energy. At normal times, ALT is found inside the liver cells. But in case of liver damage or disease, ALT is released into the bloodstream. This results in higher levels of ALT in the blood, which is often the first sign of liver damage. The SGPT (ALT) test is therefore done to determine the levels of ALT in the blood. This would, in turn, help to determine liver damage or disease. Symptoms that call for the SGPT (ALT) test include dark urine, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and yellowish eyes and skin. Patients with any of these symptoms are advised by doctors to undergo the test immediately. Liver disease has been stated as the tenth most common disease in India by the World Health Organization. Liver diseases are known to affect every one in five Indians. The most common of them is cirrhosis. Currently, the primary cause of liver cirrhosis is excessive alcohol consumption, Hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis can be associated with other complications, such as ascites, variceal bleeding and other infections. Blood samples are required to carry out the SGPT (ALT) test. Most often, the blood is collected from a vein in the arm.