AST ALT Blood Test | SGOT SGPT Levels, Normal Range and Price in Pune
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Unexplained fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), nausea, or upper right abdominal discomfort are common warning symptoms of liver cell damage — and the AST ALT blood test (SGOT SGPT test) is the first investigation ordered to confirm or rule out liver injury. healthcare nt sickcare in Aundh, Pune offers individual SGOT and SGPT tests as well as complete liver function test (LFT) profiles with home sample collection and direct walk-in facility at affordable prices.
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What Is the AST ALT Blood Test (SGOT SGPT)?
The AST ALT blood test measures the levels of two liver enzymes — Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) — that are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged or inflamed.
Micro-definitions:
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), also called SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase), is an enzyme found in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. It catalyses the transfer of an amino group in protein metabolism. Because AST is present in multiple organs, elevated AST alone is not specific to liver disease.
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), also called SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase), is an enzyme found predominantly in liver cells (hepatocytes). It is significantly more liver-specific than AST. An elevated ALT is therefore a more reliable indicator of liver cell injury than an elevated AST in isolation.
When liver cells are injured — by a virus, fat accumulation, alcohol, medication, or toxins — these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, raising their serum levels. The AST ALT test (SGOT SGPT test) is part of a standard liver disease workup and is often the first abnormal finding that prompts further investigation. Chronic liver disease is also classified among India's growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
AST ALT Normal Range: What Are the Reference Values?
The normal AST and ALT levels for adults in India, as used by most NABL-accredited laboratories, are: AST up to 40 U/L and ALT up to 56 U/L — though values may vary slightly by age, sex, and individual laboratory methodology.
| Test | Also Known As | Normal Range (Adults) | Elevated Indicates |
|---|---|---|---|
| AST | SGOT | 8–40 U/L | Liver injury, heart attack, muscle damage, kidney problems |
| ALT | SGPT | 7–56 U/L | Liver cell damage — hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol, medications |
Reference ranges are laboratory-specific. Always interpret your results in context of your clinical symptoms and medical history, as advised by your doctor.
What Causes High AST and ALT Levels?
Elevated AST and ALT (high SGOT SGPT) are the hallmark blood test finding in any condition that damages or inflames liver cells — the degree of elevation roughly corresponds to the extent of hepatocyte damage.
Common causes of high AST ALT levels include:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — The most common cause of mildly elevated ALT in India, now affecting 1 in 3 urban adults. Learn how to test for fatty liver and manage it early.
- Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C) — Causes 5–20x or more elevation of ALT. Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic elevation lasting months to years. See our complete hepatitis testing guide and book a Hepatitis B profile.
- Alcoholic liver disease — Characterised by a raised AST:ALT ratio greater than 2:1. Alcohol-related liver damage tests help assess the severity of alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) — NSAIDs, paracetamol, statins, antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate), antitubercular drugs, and herbal supplements are common culprits in India.
- Liver cirrhosis — In advanced cirrhosis, AST and ALT may actually normalise or be only mildly elevated as the number of functioning liver cells decreases.
- Autoimmune hepatitis — Often presents with markedly elevated ALT alongside positive autoimmune markers (ANA, anti-smooth muscle antibody).
- Thyroid disorders — Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can raise AST levels, so thyroid function is commonly checked when AST is unexpectedly elevated.
- Muscle injury or strenuous exercise — Raises AST (from skeletal muscle) without corresponding ALT elevation — an important distinction from liver disease.
The AST to ALT Ratio: What It Reveals
The AST:ALT ratio is a clinically useful tool to narrow down the probable cause of liver damage when both values are elevated together.
- AST:ALT ratio > 2:1 — Strongly suggestive of alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol preferentially injures mitochondria, causing disproportionate AST release.
- AST:ALT ratio < 1:1 (ALT higher than AST) — More typical of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis.
- AST:ALT ratio approaching 1:1 with marked elevation — Consistent with acute viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury.
The ratio alone is not diagnostic — a liver specialist or gastroenterologist interprets it alongside clinical history, additional blood markers, and imaging such as ultrasound. Explore other liver-related markers including GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin for a complete picture.
AST ALT Test Price in Pune at healthcare nt sickcare
The individual SGOT test (AST test) and SGPT test (ALT test) are available at healthcare nt sickcare in Aundh, Pune at affordable prices, with home sample collection included across Pune localities.
| Test | What's Included |
|---|---|
| SGOT Test (AST Test) | Serum AST / SGOT value with normal range |
| SGPT Test (ALT Test) | Serum ALT / SGPT value with normal range |
| Liver Function Test (LFT) | AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin (total + direct), Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin |
| VitalCare Liver Health Checkup | Complete LFT + CBC + additional liver health markers |
| LFT + Lipid Profile Combined | Liver enzymes + cholesterol panel — ideal for metabolic syndrome screening |
Check current prices directly on the test product pages. Home sample collection is available across Pune — including Aundh, Baner, Wakad, Kothrud, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Viman Nagar, and Hinjewadi. Walk-in facility available at our Aundh centre between 8:45 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Risk Factors for Elevated Liver Enzymes in India
Urban Indians in Pune and Maharashtra face a combination of lifestyle and metabolic risk factors that directly drive elevated AST and ALT levels.
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome — directly promotes NAFLD and raised ALT
- Type 2 diabetes — associated with hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and chronic mild ALT elevation
- Excessive alcohol consumption — the leading cause of AST:ALT ratio > 2:1
- Viral hepatitis B and C infection — chronic liver inflammation with persistent enzyme elevation
- Long-term medication use — antitubercular drugs are a major concern in India given TB prevalence
- Autoimmune and genetic liver disorders
Individuals with any of these risk factors should include an LFT with SGOT SGPT as part of annual preventive health screening. Support your liver proactively with evidence-based liver detox foods and drinks and understand how abdominal symptoms relate to liver disease through our guide on tests for abdominal pain.
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People Also Ask About AST ALT SGOT SGPT Tests
AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are both liver enzymes, but they differ in specificity. ALT is found almost exclusively in liver cells and is therefore more specific to liver damage — elevated ALT strongly points to liver pathology. AST, by contrast, is present in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain, so elevated AST alone can indicate muscle injury, a heart attack, or liver disease. When both AST and ALT are elevated together, liver disease is the most likely cause. Their ratio (AST:ALT) helps distinguish alcoholic liver disease (ratio > 2) from fatty liver or viral hepatitis (ratio ≤ 1).
At healthcare nt sickcare in Aundh, Pune, the SGOT test (AST test) and SGPT test (ALT test) can be booked individually or as part of a complete Liver Function Test (LFT) profile, which additionally includes ALP, GGT, bilirubin (total and direct), total protein, albumin, and globulin. The LFT profile offers significantly better value than individual tests when liver health assessment is the goal. Current pricing is available on the respective product pages at healthcarentsickcare.com. Home sample collection is available across Pune, and walk-in is available at the Aundh centre from 8:45 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday. No prescription is required to book.
When AST is significantly higher than ALT — producing an AST:ALT ratio greater than 2:1 — this pattern is a recognised marker for alcoholic liver disease or, in later stages, liver cirrhosis. Alcohol causes selective damage to mitochondria in liver cells, preferentially releasing AST. An AST:ALT ratio below 1 (ALT higher than AST) is more consistent with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatitis. However, interpreting the ratio correctly requires additional tests, clinical context, and a doctor's assessment — the ratio is a guide, not a standalone diagnosis.
Yes — strenuous physical exercise, muscle injury, trauma, or even intense gym workouts within 24–48 hours before the test can temporarily raise AST (SGOT) levels, because AST is released from skeletal muscle cells when they are stressed or damaged. ALT (SGPT) is minimally affected by exercise, as it is predominantly liver-specific. If your AST is elevated but ALT is normal, your doctor may request a CK (creatine kinase) test to check for muscle injury before attributing the AST elevation to liver disease. Avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours before your blood test to get the most accurate result.
Yes — many commonly prescribed medications in India can elevate AST and ALT levels. These include antitubercular drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide), which routinely require LFT monitoring during treatment; statins (used for cholesterol); paracetamol in high doses or with alcohol; NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac; certain antibiotics including amoxicillin-clavulanate; anti-epileptic drugs; and herbal or ayurvedic formulations containing heavy metals. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal preparations you are taking before your blood test, so results can be interpreted accurately.
For healthy adults with no known liver risk factors, including AST and ALT as part of an annual preventive health checkup or full body check from the age of 30–35 is a reasonable practice. For individuals with diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or regular alcohol consumption, LFT including SGOT SGPT should be checked every 6 months. Patients on antitubercular therapy or long-term hepatotoxic medications typically require monthly LFT monitoring. Those already diagnosed with chronic liver disease will have a monitoring frequency recommended by their hepatologist or gastroenterologist, typically every 3–6 months. healthcare nt sickcare in Pune offers home collection for all these tests without a prior prescription.
Yes. A high-protein diet or whey protein supplementation can mildly raise AST levels due to increased amino acid metabolism. Certain herbal supplements — particularly those used in bodybuilding or weight loss — can cause significant, sometimes severe, liver enzyme elevation (herbal supplement-induced DILI). Vitamin A toxicity from excessive supplementation can also raise ALT. Conversely, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and low in saturated fats supports liver enzyme normalisation. Discuss any dietary supplements with your doctor before testing. Learn about evidence-backed liver-supporting foods and drinks at healthcare nt sickcare.
No — elevated AST and ALT do not always confirm liver disease, and must be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and additional investigations. Mild transient elevations can result from muscle injury (AST), recent exercise, fever, medications, or even vigorous coughing. A single elevated result should always be confirmed with a repeat test and correlated with imaging (ultrasound) and other liver markers such as GGT, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin. Persistently elevated ALT on two or more tests separated by at least 4–6 weeks is clinically significant and warrants thorough liver evaluation including a hepatitis screen and abdominal ultrasound.
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Your liver works silently every day — don't wait for symptoms to book a check. Get your SGOT SGPT test or complete liver function profile done at an affordable price in Pune with healthcare nt sickcare, with home collection and results in 24–48 hours.
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All material copyright healthcare nt sickcare. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of use apply. The contents of this article are for public health awareness and informational purposes only. AST ALT SGOT SGPT test results require interpretation by a qualified physician or gastroenterologist — they are not standalone diagnostic tools. Normal reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing any treatment based on lab results.
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