Book SGOT Test: Purpose, Normal Range and Price

The SGOT test, also known as the AST or Aspartate Aminotransferase test, is a blood test that measures the level of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the blood. AST is found predominantly in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and red blood cells. Under normal conditions, AST is contained within cells and only small amounts are present in the bloodstream. When any of these tissues are damaged or inflamed, cells release AST into the blood, causing levels to rise and signalling tissue injury. While SGOT is most commonly ordered as a liver function marker, it is not liver-specific like SGPT. An elevated SGOT therefore requires interpretation alongside SGPT, the SGOT to SGPT ratio, and other liver function parameters to determine whether the elevation originates from the liver, heart, or muscle. In India, where viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver damage are highly prevalent, SGOT is a routinely prescribed component of the liver function test panel and annual health checkups. It is also an important marker in the evaluation of heart attacks, muscle disorders, and drug-induced organ damage. The test involves a simple blood draw completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe an SGOT test in the following situations: Evaluating liver health as part of a liver function test panel in patients with suspected hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, or alcohol-related liver damage, where elevated SGOT alongside SGPT indicates active liver cell injury. Investigating jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and unexplained fatigue where elevated liver enzymes confirm hepatocellular damage and guide further diagnostic workup. Monitoring patients on medications known to cause liver toxicity including anti-tuberculosis drugs, statins, antiepileptics, and paracetamol, where regular SGOT monitoring detects drug-induced liver injury early. Evaluating heart muscle damage in patients with suspected myocardial infarction, where a markedly elevated SGOT alongside other cardiac markers such as troponin supports the diagnosis of heart attack. Investigating muscle disorders including rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, and muscular dystrophy where SGOT rises significantly due to muscle cell breakdown independent of liver involvement. Routine preventive health screening as part of annual health checkups to assess baseline liver and metabolic health, particularly in individuals with obesity, diabetes, high alcohol consumption, or a family history of liver disease. Monitoring patients with chronic liver disease or viral hepatitis B and C on antiviral therapy, where serial SGOT measurements track disease activity and treatment response over time.

The SGOT test measures the concentration of Aspartate Aminotransferase enzyme activity in the blood, reported in units per litre (U/L). Normal SGOT Range in India The standard reference ranges used across most Indian diagnostic laboratories are as follows. For adult men, a normal SGOT level is between 10 and 40 U/L. For adult women, a normal SGOT level is between 10 and 32 U/L. Values may vary slightly between laboratories depending on the method and equipment used. Interpreting SGOT Results An SGOT level between 40 and 120 U/L represents a mild to moderate elevation. At this level, causes including fatty liver disease, mild viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, strenuous exercise, and medication effects are most commonly considered. An SGOT level between 120 and 400 U/L represents a significant elevation suggesting moderate to severe liver injury, active viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, or significant cardiac or muscle damage, all of which require prompt clinical evaluation. An SGOT level above 400 U/L is considered markedly elevated and is associated with acute viral hepatitis, toxic or drug-induced liver injury, ischaemic hepatitis, or severe rhabdomyolysis. This level warrants urgent medical evaluation. The SGOT to SGPT ratio is an important diagnostic tool. A ratio above 2.0 is strongly suggestive of alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio below 1.0 with both enzymes elevated is more typical of viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test is recommended for the most accurate result as recent food intake can transiently affect enzyme levels. You may drink water normally during the fasting period. Our team confirms preparation requirements at the time of booking. Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the test as alcohol directly raises SGOT levels and can produce a misleadingly elevated result even in individuals without underlying liver disease. Avoid strenuous physical exercise for 24 to 48 hours before the test. Intense muscle activity causes AST release from skeletal muscle, which can significantly elevate SGOT independent of any liver or cardiac pathology. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, particularly statins, anti-tuberculosis drugs, antiepileptics, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements, as many of these can elevate SGOT levels. Stay normally hydrated before sample collection.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the SGOT test price starts at approximately Rs. 216. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside SGOT, SecondMedic health packages include SGOT as part of a broader liver function or metabolic panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for SGOT test across all major areas of India. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your addres