Guide to SGOT Test and Normal Range
Learn about the SGOT test, its purpose, normal range, and how it helps assess liver health and detect potential liver or heart conditions early.
Written by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 4th Sep, 2025
Introduction
When you get a call from your doctor's office about blood test results, it's easy to feel a wave of anxiety, especially if you see unfamiliar terms like "SGOT" or "AST" flagged on your report. The SGOT test, though it sounds complex, is a common and crucial tool for assessing your health, primarily the well-being of your liver and heart. But what does it actually measure, and what does it mean if your levels are outside the standard range?
This definitive guide will demystify the SGOT test. We'll break down what SGOT is, explore the reasons for getting tested, and provide a clear explanation of the normal range and what high or low levels could indicate. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, turning confusion into clarity and helping you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about your liver function and overall wellness.
What is an SGOT Test?
The SGOT test, which stands for Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, is a blood test that measures the level of the SGOT enzyme in your blood. You might also hear it referred to by its modern name: the AST test, or Aspartate Aminotransferase test. These two terms, SGOT and AST, are used interchangeably and measure the exact same thing.
SGOT/AST is an enzyme found primarily in the cells of several key organs, including:
• The liver
• The heart
• The muscles (both skeletal and cardiac)
• The kidneys
• The brain
Under normal, healthy circumstances, SGOT levels in the blood are low because the enzyme is contained within the cells of these organs. However, when cells are damaged or injured, they release their contents, including SGOT, into the bloodstream. Therefore, a high level of SGOT detected in a blood test is a strong marker that there is cellular damage occurring in one or more of these organs.
Consult a Gastroenterologist for the best advice
SGOT vs. ALT: What's the Difference?
Often, an SGOT test is ordered alongside another liver enzyme test called ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase or SGPT). While both are important indicators of liver health, they have key differences that doctors use to pinpoint the cause of potential problems.
Specificity: ALT is considered a more liver-specific enzyme. While it is found in other places, it is predominantly concentrated in the liver. This makes it a more direct indicator of liver inflammation or damage.
Location within the cell: AST is found in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells, while ALT is mainly in the cytoplasm. Different types of injuries can affect these parts of the cell differently.
The AST/ALT Ratio: Doctors often look at the ratio of AST to ALT. For example, in most cases of viral hepatitis, the ALT level is higher than the AST level. Conversely, an AST level that is significantly higher than the ALT level can be a clue pointing towards alcohol-related liver disease or cirrhosis.
Understanding this relationship helps physicians move from simply knowing that there is damage to forming a hypothesis about what kind of damage it might be.
Why Would You Need an SGOT Test?
Your doctor may order an SGOT test as part of a routine check-up or for more specific diagnostic reasons. Common scenarios include:
1. As Part of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
This common blood panel, often done during annual physicals, includes liver enzyme tests to screen for potential issues before symptoms arise.
2. To Evaluate Liver Function
If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest liver disease, your doctor will likely order an SGOT test. These symptoms can include:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark-coloured urine
• Unexplained itching
3. To Monitor an Existing Liver Condition
If you have been diagnosed with a condition like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, regular SGOT tests help your doctor monitor the disease's progression and how well your treatment is working.
4. To Check for Muscle or Heart Damage
Because AST is also present in heart and muscle cells, elevated levels can sometimes indicate a heart attack, muscle injury, or even strenuous exercise.
Understanding the SGOT Normal Range
Interpreting lab results can be confusing, as "normal" can vary slightly between different laboratories based on the equipment and methods they use. Always refer to the reference range provided on your specific lab report and discuss it with your doctor.
Generally, the normal range for SGOT/AST in adults is:
Between 10 and 40 units per litre (U/L) of blood.
It's important to note that levels can be slightly higher in infants and young children and can also vary based on sex. Men may have slightly higher normal levels than women.
What Does a High SGOT Level Mean? (SGOT Elevated)
An SGOT level above 40 U/L is generally considered high and suggests cellular damage. The degree of elevation can give doctors a clue about the potential cause.
Mild Elevations (1-2 times the upper limit of normal): Can be seen in conditions like fatty liver disease (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), chronic hepatitis C, or even blocked bile ducts. Certain medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also cause mild, temporary elevations.
Moderate to Severe Elevations (Hundreds to thousands of U/L): These significant elevations are often associated with acute (sudden) liver cell damage. Causes include:
• Acute viral hepatitis (A or B)
• Liver damage from toxins or overdose (e.g., acetaminophen poisoning)
• Severe drop in blood flow to the liver (ischemic hepatitis)
• Autoimmune hepatitis
It is crucial to remember that a high SGOT level is not a diagnosis itself. It is a signal that prompts further investigation.
What Does a Low SGOT Level Mean?
A result below the normal range is uncommon and is typically not a cause for medical concern. It can sometimes be seen in individuals with a vitamin B6 deficiency, as B6 is a cofactor for the AST enzyme, but this is rarely clinically significant.
Factors That Can Affect Your SGOT Test Results
Several factors unrelated to liver disease can cause a temporary spike in your SGOT levels. It's important to inform your doctor about these before your test:
• Strenuous Exercise: Intense physical activity can cause muscle breakdown, releasing AST into the blood.
• Certain Medications and Supplements: Statins (for cholesterol), certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and even herbal supplements like kava or comfrey can affect levels.
• Age and Sex: As mentioned, normal ranges can differ.
• Pregnancy: Levels can fluctuate during pregnancy.
• Recent Injury or Trauma: Muscle injuries can lead to elevated AST.
What to Do If Your SGOT Levels Are Abnormal
First, don't panic. An abnormal result requires interpretation by a medical professional.
1. Consult Your Doctor: They will consider your SGOT result in the context of your other tests (especially ALT), your overall health, symptoms, and medical history.
2. Further Testing: Your doctor will likely order follow-up tests to pinpoint the cause. This could include more specific liver tests, imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan, or even a liver biopsy in some cases.
3. Address the Underlying Cause: Treatment is never aimed at simply lowering the SGOT number. Instead, the goal is to diagnose and treat the condition causing the elevation. This could involve lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol), medication, or other therapies.
How to Maintain Healthy Liver Enzymes?
While you can't control every factor, you can take proactive steps to support your liver health and keep your enzymes in a healthy range:
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is metabolized by the liver and is a direct toxin to its cells.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a leading cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce intake of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
• Use Medications Wisely: Always follow dosage instructions and be aware of medications that can stress the liver. Discuss all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements with your doctor.
• Get Vaccinated: Protect yourself against hepatitis A and B through vaccination.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and overall metabolic health.
Conclusion
Understanding your SGOT test results is a powerful step in taking charge of your health. While seeing an out-of-range number can be unsettling, it's important to view it as a valuable piece of diagnostic information, a signal that guides you and your doctor toward the right questions and necessary follow-up. Liver health is fundamental to your overall well-being, and this test is a key tool in protecting it. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, communicating openly with your healthcare provider, and addressing any concerns proactively, you can ensure your liver continues to perform its vital functions smoothly for years to come.
Consult a Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Consult a Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Dr Rohit Sureka
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DNB Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Apollo 247 virtual - Rajasthan, Jaipur
Dr. Umakanth Eskala
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • DM (GASTRO)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Neeraj Nagaich
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
26 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Dr. Neeraj Nagaich Clinic, Jaipur
Consult a Gastroenterologist for the best advice
Dr Rohit Sureka
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DNB Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Apollo 247 virtual - Rajasthan, Jaipur
Dr. Umakanth Eskala
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • DM (GASTRO)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Neeraj Nagaich
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
26 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Dr. Neeraj Nagaich Clinic, Jaipur
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