What is the normal range of SGPT and SGOT?

SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L and SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L. Ranges may slightly vary depending on the lab.

Is fasting required before a liver enzyme test?

Fasting is not always required. Follow your doctor's or diagnostic lab’s instructions.

Which tests should I take for a complete liver check-up?

A full Liver Function Test (LFT) is ideal. It includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, and proteins like Albumin.

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Published on: May 21, 2025
4 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean

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The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs hundreds of functions, including filtering toxins, producing bile, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When your liver is under stress or not functioning properly, certain enzymes in your blood can increase. Two of the most common enzymes tested are SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). In this blog, we will break down what these enzymes mean, why your doctor might suggest this test, and what the results indicate.

What is a Liver Enzymes Test?

A liver enzymes test is a type of blood test used to evaluate the health of your liver. It measures specific proteins (called enzymes) that the liver releases into your blood. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into your bloodstream. The most commonly tested liver enzymes are:

SGPT (ALT) – Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SGOT (AST) – Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Enzymes Test?

Your doctor may ask for a liver enzymes test if you show symptoms of liver problems or are at risk due to lifestyle or existing health conditions. Some common reasons include:

Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Dark urine or pale stools
Alcohol consumption
Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
Obesity or fatty liver
Long-term medication usage
Diabetes or high cholesterol

What is SGPT (ALT)?

SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a role in converting proteins into energy for liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, SGPT leaks into the bloodstream.

Normal SGPT Levels:

For men: 7 to 56 units per liter of blood
For women: 7 to 45 units per liter

What Does High SGPT Mean?

High SGPT levels may indicate:

Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
Fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related liver damage
Liver infection or injury
Side effects of medications
Obesity-related liver stress

Sometimes, even intense physical activity or certain supplements can temporarily raise SGPT levels.

What is SGOT (AST)?

SGOT, also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme found not just in the liver, but also in the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. So, while it can point to liver damage, it may also indicate problems in other organs.

Normal SGOT Levels:

For men: 8 to 48 units per liter of blood
For women: 8 to 43 units per liter

What Does High SGOT Mean?

High SGOT levels may be due to:

Liver damage or cirrhosis
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Muscle injuries
Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Use of certain drugs or supplements

If both SGPT and SGOT are elevated, it’s more likely to be a liver-related issue.

SGPT vs SGOT – What's the Difference?

Feature	SGPT (ALT)	SGOT (AST)
Location	Mainly in the liver	Liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, brain
Specificity	More liver-specific	Less liver-specific
Indicates	Liver damage	Liver, heart, or muscle damage
Normal Range	7–56 U/L	8–48 U/L

Conclusion: If only SGPT is high, it's more likely to be liver-specific. If both are high, the doctor may run further tests.

Other Liver Tests Often Done Together

To get a full picture of liver health, doctors may also recommend:

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Linked to bile ducts
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) – Linked to alcohol use or bile problems
Bilirubin – Indicates liver’s ability to process waste
Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects liver's protein production
PT/INR – Measures blood clotting, another liver function

What to Do if SGPT/SGOT Are High?

If your test results show high liver enzymes, don’t panic. A one-time elevation doesn’t always mean serious disease. Here's what you should do:

1. Follow-Up Testing

Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks or recommend imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check for liver fat, fibrosis, or tumors.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid alcohol completely
Maintain a healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber)
Exercise regularly
Control blood sugar and cholesterol
Stay hydrated

3. Review Medications

Some over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, or supplements like bodybuilding products, can raise liver enzymes.

4. Monitor Regularly

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, make liver function tests part of your routine health checks.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Confusion or mood changes
Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools

These signs may indicate serious liver issues and need immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

The liver is a silent warrior – it works 24/7 and rarely complains until it's seriously damaged. That’s why regular check-ups, especially liver enzyme tests, are essential for early detection and prevention.

Understanding your SGPT and SGOT levels can give you valuable insights into your liver’s health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or just doing a preventive health check, this simple blood test can help you stay one step ahead.

Call to Action

Worried about your liver health? Book a full liver function test online today and get your results from the comfort of your home. Know your SGPT and SGOT levels now – because your health can’t wait.

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean – Book Now on SecondMedic.com!

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Read FAQs

A. It helps diagnose liver diseases, monitor liver health, and assess the impact of medications, alcohol, or infections on the liver.

A. SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L Ranges may vary slightly based on labs.

A. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related damage, or side effects from medications.

A. Fasting is not always required, but it's best to follow your doctor’s or lab’s instructions.

A. A Liver Function Test (LFT), which includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, Albumin, and Total Protein, is recommended.

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COVID-19 Cases Rising Again in 2025: What You Need to Know

Introduction

After a few quiet years, COVID-19 is once again making headlines in 2025. Many people thought the virus was gone for good, but recent data shows a steady rise in new cases across several countries, including India. While the current variants may not be as deadly as those in the past, it's still important to stay alert and take precautions.

This blog will help you understand why COVID-19 cases are increasing again, what symptoms to look for, how to protect yourself, and why vaccination is still important. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Why Are COVID-19 Cases Rising Again in 2025?

Health experts say that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases is due to several reasons:

1. New Variants Emerging

The virus is constantly changing. In 2025, a new Omicron sub-variant has been spreading faster than older versions. These new variants may not cause severe illness but are highly contagious, meaning more people are getting infected quickly.

2. People Letting Their Guard Down

Many people have stopped wearing masks or washing hands regularly. With large gatherings, events, and travel back to normal, the virus has more chances to spread.

3. Vaccination Gaps

Booster shots are essential for continued protection, especially for older adults and people with weak immune systems. However, a large number of people in India haven’t taken the latest COVID-19 booster.

4. Seasonal Changes

Just like the flu, COVID-19 seems to rise with seasonal shifts, especially in colder months when people spend more time indoors.

Common Symptoms in 2025

The symptoms of the latest COVID-19 variant are slightly different from those we saw in the early years of the pandemic. Most people are experiencing:

Sore throat
Dry cough
Fatigue or tiredness
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Headache
Mild fever or chills

Most cases are mild, and people recover at home. However, the elderly or people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart problems should be more careful.

What To Do If You Feel Sick

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above:

Stay home and isolate yourself.
Wear a mask to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Take a COVID-19 test (at home or at a nearby health center).
Monitor your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.
Stay hydrated and rest.
Talk to a doctor online or in person if symptoms worsen.

You can book online consultations and COVID tests from trusted platforms like SecondMedic for quick support.

Importance of Vaccination in 2025

Many people wonder: “If I’ve already had COVID or got vaccinated earlier, do I still need a booster?”

The answer is yes.

Here’s why:

Immunity from old vaccines can fade over time.
New variants may escape older protection, but boosters are updated to fight them better.
Getting a booster shot can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death.

People above 60, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions should get vaccinated or take a booster dose as soon as possible.

How To Protect Yourself and Others

Even though the current wave is not as dangerous as the earlier ones, it's still better to be safe than sorry. Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk:

1. Wear a Mask

Use a good quality mask like N95 when you're in crowded places like markets, public transport, or hospitals.

2. Wash Hands Regularly

Use soap or hand sanitizer, especially after touching public surfaces.

3. Avoid Crowds

If you’re feeling unwell, stay home. Avoid crowded events if possible.

4. Ventilate Rooms

If you're indoors, make sure there is proper airflow.

5. Stay Updated

Check your local health department's guidelines and case updates regularly.

What the Government Is Saying

Health departments in India and globally are keeping a close watch. So far, there are no full lockdowns, but some states have started recommending masks and social distancing in public places.

Airports, hospitals, and some schools have reintroduced temperature checks and COVID screening. The government is also encouraging people to get booster doses and has increased vaccine availability in public and private hospitals.

Online Healthcare Services: A Safer Option

One major lesson we’ve learned from the pandemic is the power of online healthcare. Teleconsultations and medicine delivery have made healthcare safer and more convenient.

Websites like SecondMedic allow you to:

Book COVID tests at home
Consult doctors online
Order COVID safety kits and medicines
Schedule vaccinations

It’s a safe and smart way to avoid hospital visits unless absolutely necessary.

Final Words

We all hoped COVID-19 was behind us, but the recent rise in cases reminds us that the virus is still around. The good news is, we’re better prepared than before. With awareness, vaccination, and some basic precautions, we can stay safe and healthy.

Let’s not ignore the signs or take unnecessary risks. Whether it’s wearing a mask, getting a booster, or staying informed — every step counts.

Conclusion

As COVID-19 cases rise again in 2025, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. The virus may not be as deadly, but it’s still affecting lives. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, taking your booster, and being responsible.

If you’re looking for fast, trusted help — from COVID tests to doctor consultations — visit www.secondmedic.com today.
Stay safe and stay informed about “COVID-19 Cases Rising Again in 2025: What You Need to Know.”

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