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Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT): An enzyme that is usually found in liver and cardiac cells. SGOT is secreted into circulation when the liver or heart is injured. The blood SGOT levels are therefore high with liver injury (for example, from liver cirrhosis) or with an injury to the chest (for example, from a cardiac arrest). Some drugs may potentially raise SGOT levels. SGOT has sometimes been termed aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
SGOT test
The SGOT blood test measures are performed as part of a complete liver profile. It detects serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, one of two liver enzymes. This enzyme is now often referred to as AST (aspartate aminotransferase). An SGOT (or AST) test determines how much liver enzyme is present in the blood.
Usage of the test
The test might be used to assess liver function in those who already have known liver diseases, such as hepatitis C. SGOT may be present in your kidneys, muscles, heart, and brain, among other places. If any of these locations is injured, your SGOT levels may be elevated. For example, if you’ve had a heart attack or a muscular injury, your levels may be elevated.
Because SGOT is found throughout the body, an ALT test is included as part of the liver profile. The other critical liver enzyme is ALT. In contrast to SGOT, it is present in the highest amounts in the liver. An ALT test is frequently a better predictor of probable liver damage.
Preparation for an SGOT test
The SGOT test is a straightforward blood test. It is theoretically possible to do so without any additional preparation. Still, there are a few things you can do to help the process go more smoothly.
In the two days before your test, refrain from taking any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including acetaminophen (Tylenol). Unless you do consume them, be sure to notify your doctor. Before the test, inform your doctor about the drugs you’re taking so that they can compensate for them when reviewing the findings.
Also, stay hydrated the night before your exam. It will be simpler for the technician to take your blood if you stay hydrated. Wear anything that enables you to expose your forearm.
Anticipation during the test
The specialist will let you know and request that you sit on a chair. They’ll wrap an elastic band across your arm and look for a healthy vein to utilise. They will next disinfect the region before venipuncture from the vein using a needle.
The blood will be drawn into a tiny vial in less than a minute. After that, they’ll apply cotton to the affected region for a few moments, then detach the elastic band and cover it with a bandage. You’ll be all set. You might have a little bruise for up to a week. Relaxing as much as possible throughout the operation will keep your muscles from tensing, which may cause discomfort during a blood draw.
A machine will eventually process the blood sample. While the sample is processed in a matter of hours, the findings from your doctor may take several days.
The dangers of doing an SGOT test
Having an SGOT test has extremely minimal risks. Make sure you’re well-hydrated the evening before to avoid feeling light-headed or dizzy. Inform the technicians if you feel dizzy or faint after the operation. They’ll let you sit and may even bring you a drink until you’re healthy enough to even get up and depart.
Findings of the test
If your SGOT test results are abnormally high, it implies that one of the organs or muscles harbouring the enzyme has been destroyed. This includes your liver, as well as your muscles, heart, brain, and kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe more testing to rule out a different diagnosis.
An SGOT test’s normal range is between 8 and 45 units per litre of serum. In general, males may have greater levels of AST in their blood. A score of more than 50 for males and 45 for women is considered high and may indicate harm.
Depending on the procedure employed by the lab, there may be some fluctuation in the typical ranges. The lab’s precise range will be included in the report.
Extremely high AST or ALT readings are indicative of diseases that cause serious liver damage. Among these conditions are:
- Hepatitis A or B is a kind of acute viral hepatitis
- The circulatory system may collapse as a result of a shock or a collapse of the circulatory system
- Severe liver damage caused by chemicals, including an overdose of over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen
Conclusion
If one’s SGOT test results are abnormally high, it means that one of the organ systems or muscles usually containing the enzyme has been damaged. This includes your liver, as well as your muscles, heart, brain, and kidneys. One doctor may order additional tests to govern out a different diagnosis. Thus, it can be stated that with the help of a balanced diet and experience SGOT levels can be reduced to leading a healthy life.
