The SGOT test measures the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood, which can indicate liver damage. High levels of AST or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may not necessarily mean liver damage, but further testing is needed to determine the cause. Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, nausea, and a swollen stomach. Certain medications can also cause these symptoms and increase AST levels.
When the liver is damaged, enzymes known as aminotransferases are released more freely into the bloodstream. One type of these enzymes is called aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which is also referred to as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). Before prescribing certain medications or when liver disease is suspected, a doctor may order a routine blood test called a SGOT test to make sure this enzyme isn’t too concentrated in the blood — a clear sign of deeper medical problems.
Children or adults suspected of having liver disease or even hepatitis have a number of common symptoms. These include jaundice or yellowing, skin, deep yellow or even orange colored urine, frequent nausea and vomiting, and even a swollen stomach area. These symptoms can also be caused by certain types of medications, which doctors need to know about before prescribing other medications. These medications can be antibiotics, common pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or different medications prescribed to reduce cholesterol, seizures, depression, and cardiovascular strain.
The SGOT test will be ordered to see if too much of this enzyme is being released into the blood which would indicate the need for further testing. SGOT or AST is present in different organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles and even the brain. If an elevated level is discovered during the test, it could be due to damage to one or more of these organs.
In contrast, another common liver enzyme, called alanine aminotransferase (ALT), is mostly found in the liver. Also called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a blood test for ALT/SGPT will help doctors determine whether damage has been done to the liver or to another organ. Often, a SGOT test will include a test for SGPT.
High levels of ALT or AST detected during a SGPT or SGOT test do not necessarily mean liver damage. Certain types of muscle damage or strains can create higher levels of aminotransferases. Strains of viral hepatitis also cause these levels to rise, as do rarer ailments such as hemachromatosis, Wilson’s disease, celiac disease, and alcerative colitis. To get closer to the particular ailment, a red flag found during a SGPT or SGOT test often prompts doctors to order more tests. These are called a clotting panel, albumin level, platelet count, and bilirubin test, which take a closer look at how the liver damage was caused.
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