Did you know individuals with liver cirrhosis are more vulnerable to contracting Covid 19? Well, now you do. Not only does liver cirrhosis predispose you to Covid-19, but also significantly increases the chance of death due to the virus. Similar results have been found for other liver diseases. Additionally, a lifesaving liver function is detoxification and filtration of blood.
Indisputably, monitoring of liver health is profoundly significant in today’s day and age. An appropriate liver function test routine can save you from investing lakhs of rupees in treatment by timely detection of diseases. Several tests like SGPT or Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase Test exist to help in this regard. Let us see the test and its role in detail.
What is an SGPT test?
An SGPT test is a type of blood test that gives you the amount of Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase in the blood serum. The blood serum is nothing but the blood plasma, excluding the cells responsible for clotting.
GPT is an enzyme that is present in the kidney cells, liver, muscles, and cardiomyocytes and works as a catalyst in many processes. This protein is conducive to monitoring the liver condition. The test discerns several factors such as:-
- The level of vulnerability to developing liver diseases
- Speculating if the liver has sustained any damage or has been functioning abnormally
- Identification of severe diseases like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatitis, or jaundice
An acceptable SGPT blood Test result is between seven units of SGPT per liter of blood serum to fifty-six units.
How is SGPT associated with the liver?
SGPT measures Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, an enzyme that is produced in the liver for various lifesaving functions. The enzyme acts as a facilitator and a catalyst in the alanine cycle, vital for liver function. The process helps in the following ways:-
- It helps to get rid of ammonium ion, which is toxic for health. The ammonium ion is carried to the liver for conversion in urea.
- It recycles carbon skeletons in the liver.
- It governs the hepatic mitochondria oxidation in the liver when you fast. The process is essential for providing glucose to various body parts.
Excessive alcohol consumption triggers excessive production of the hormone. The enzyme leaks into the bloodstream and can cause several disruptions in the body’s functioning. The leakage subsequently results in the development of lethal complications in the liver if not dealt with on time.
When should you get an SGPT test?
The liver function test must be taken periodically to ensure the healthy functioning of the liver and overall body. If any of the following is true for you, then you must take the test regularly diligently:-
- If you are someone on cholesterol-reducing medications, your medical advisor shall ask you to take the test. These medicines can have adverse side effects on the liver. Hence, monitoring it becomes crucial.
- If you have ever been exposed to the hepatitis virus, you must regularly check on the SGPT levels via an SGPT test.
- If you have a history of liver complications or your family has a history of liver diseases, you might have a predisposition to liver diseases. Hence, it is crucial to test your SGPT level.
- If you drink alcohol or take drugs, your liver becomes weak over time. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver damages. Therefore, the test is compulsory for addicts.
- Lastly, if you are obese or diabetic, routine testing is crucial for you.
If you are still not convinced to regularly monitor your SGPT levels through an SGPT blood test, here is a list of symptoms you must look out for:
- Constant vomiting accompanied by nausea.
- Dark urine or blood in the urine.
- Weakness and fatigue or excessive exhaustion.
How to get an SGPT blood Test done?
Getting an SGPT blood test is easy. Take cognizance of the following:
- You will have to stop eating and drinking (even water) 10 to 12 hours before the test. Hence, it is wise to get a test done in the morning just after you wake up.
- There are a few medicines that must not be consumed before the test. Hence, consult your physician accordingly.
- Avoid wearing a full sleeve shirt/ T-shirt for the test.
Now, after you have booked the test, you can go and give your blood sample. About 5 ml of blood shall be extracted here. The process takes about 10 minutes and is generally painless. The test results come out according to the policy of the institute you contacted.
Closing remarks
If your SGPT results are high, you must immediately consult your family doctor or a physician. The doctor shall prescribe a relevant course of action and tests to determine the exact cause and issue. At a personal level, you must start consuming food rich in vitamins and nutrients as well as stop the consumption of drugs and alcohol. In the end, your health is in your hands.
