Have you ever heard about SGOT? If yes, you must be looking for SGOT full form, its uses, definition, results, and other factors.
So, let’s start from the basics. SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, which is also known as AST, and it’s abbreviated as aminotransferase aspartate. This is an enzyme existing in tissues including the liver, heart, and kidneys. Not only that but it is also included in skeletal muscles and other tissues.
The SGOT enzyme is produced by the liver. Different also produce the enzyme in smaller quantities, like kidney, heart, and brain muscles.
If you are a healthy person, SGOT levels will be lower in your blood. It’s also important to note that SGOT level is usually around 5 to 40 units per liter of serum in a normal person’s blood. If something causes harm to your heart tissues, liver, or kidneys tissues, then SGOT will be immediately released into your blood.
Thus, a high level of SGOT is a primary sign of liver disease. However, it could also mean that some other organs are also affected like your kidney, brain, or heart. That’s the reason doctors ask to conduct AST tests with powerful liver enzyme examinations.
Why is SGOT Used?
The SGOT test is useful in diagnosing the damage done to the liver or other organs of the body. When your cells get damaged in the liver, the SGOT instantly leaks in your blood and ultimately raises the levels of this enzyme.
When doctors perform this test, it’s just for evaluating the health of your liver, especially for people who are already affected by any liver disease such as Hepatitis C.
When Doctors Prescribe AST Tests to a Patient?
There are certain conditions or symptoms that alert doctors and they prescribe AST tests. Especially if patients have any signs of liver damage, such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Bruises
- Weakness
- The yellowness of eyes and face
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- And swelling in ankles and legs
Are there any Side Effects of this Test?
There are not some significant causes, but some patients may experience:
- Dizziness/fainting
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Blood accumulation under the skin
What Preparations are Involved for Undergoing SGOT Test?
The SGOT test is actually a very simple kind of blood test. There are no special procedures or conditions involved in undergoing the test. However, there are fewer easy steps that patients can consider making the process streamlined.
Do not take any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or undergo therapies, which also includes the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol), before the test. If you are taking such sensitive medications, always tell your doctor first. In fact, you should tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking, so that he can properly administer the test and analyze your condition. It will help them demonstrate the final reading.
It’s also recommended to drink a lot of water before you go for the test.
If you are perfectly hydrated, your technician can easily and effectively draw your blood. Also, make sure you are wearing easy and comfortable clothing which is probably up to your forearm. This will help your technician to take blood easily.
What Can You Expect During the SGOT Test?
When you go for the test, the technician will settle you down first before performing any procedure. He may tie an elastic band around your arm, and then search for the required vein to draw blood. Once they find the vein, they will clean the arm area before injecting a needle so they can clearly and easily draw blood.
It may take a couple of seconds or 1 minute to draw your blood into a small compartment. After that, the doctors will use gauze on your arm for a few seconds and remove the band from your arm. Many technicians also prefer to place a bandage on the arm so that your arm doesn’t get bleeding or swelling.
There may be a small bruise on your arm for a few days. Make sure you are relaxed during the procedure as it will help prevent your skin muscles from getting stressed and can cause you pain when they draw blood.
After the procedure, the machine will further assess and process the sample. It may take a couple of hours in processing the sample; however, it could take several days in getting results from the doctor.
Results:
In case the results of the SGOT test are higher than expectations, it means your organs containing that AST enzyme are fully damaged. The organs could include kidneys, liver, and a few muscles of your heart and brain. Doctors will then prescribe some more tests so they can rule out another diagnosis and help patients to relieve the condition.
Remember, the standard range of your SGOT test will be normally between 8 and 45 units per liter of serum. However, men could naturally have increased amounts of SGOT in their blood. So, if the score is more than 50 for men then it is quite high. Similarly, a score of more than 45 for women is also high and indicates liver damage.
You may find a little variation in the standard ranges which depends on the technique your lab is using. The exact range will be mentioned in your reports.
If the SGOT levels are extremely high, then it means your liver is severely damaged. And might be affected from:
- Hepatitis A, or Hepatitis B
- Shock or collapsed circulatory system
If the test results are inconclusive and your doctor cannot decide the exact condition, he may prescribe some other tests. Especially if they are particularly looking for liver damage, they may prescribe tests like the Bilirubin test, platelet count, and glucose test.
In extreme conditions, your doctor could even prescribe an ultrasound of your liver.
When you do regular exercises and take a proper diet, your liver could perform better. A careful lifestyle can cause less stress to the liver and thus increase energy levels. Exercises also prevent obesity, and this is probably a big factor in liver problems. So, make sure you go for regular checkups and maintain a healthy lifestyle.