Must Know About SGOT and SGPT: Essential Tests to Check Liver Function

Dear PRAMITA friends, the liver is a vital organ that works daily to filter toxins, aid digestion, and store energy. To determine whether the liver is functioning well or not, one of the steps that can be taken is the SGOT and SGPT tests.

SGOT and SGPT are two types of enzymes usually found in small amounts in the blood. However, if liver cells are damaged, these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream and their levels increase. That’s why the SGOT and SGPT tests are important for assessing liver health.

Interestingly, these two tests are always conducted together, not separately. The reason is simple: although both enzymes are related to the liver, SGOT is also found in other organs such as the heart and muscles, while SGPT is more specific to the liver. By checking both at once, doctors get a clearer picture of whether the problem is truly from the liver.

These tests are often included in routine health check packages, especially for those experiencing symptoms like nausea, yellowing skin, abdominal pain, fatigue, or dark-colored urine. People with a family history of liver disease, alcohol use, obesity, or taking certain medications are also encouraged to take these tests regularly.

The procedure is very simple. PRAMITA friends only need a blood draw, which is then analyzed in the lab. If combined with other tests like fasting blood sugar or cholesterol, a 10–12 hour fast is required. But if only testing SGOT and SGPT, fasting is not necessary.

Consult a doctor immediately if the results are above normal, as this may indicate fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or medication side effects. Consulting a doctor is highly recommended to get the correct diagnosis based on the clinical condition.