Liver Tests
SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transminase)
Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT or AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, and other tissues. A high level of SGOT released into the blood may be a sign of liver or heart damage, cancer, or other diseases. Also called aspartate transaminase and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase.
SGPT (Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transminase)
Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. SGPT is released into blood when the liver or heart are damaged. The blood SGPT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise SGPT levels. Also called alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
SGOT/ SGPT Affect Ratio
The SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) to SGPT (Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase) ratio is a valuable metric used in medicine to assess liver health and identify potential liver issues. These enzymes, primarily found in liver cells, help in various metabolic processes. Monitoring their ratio can provide valuable insights into the functioning of this vital organ.
A typical SGOT to SGPT ratio is approximately 1:1, meaning the levels of SGOT and SGPT are roughly equal in a healthy liver. However, deviations from this ratio can signal specific health conditions:
- Higher SGOT to SGPT Ratio: An elevated SGOT to SGPT ratio may suggest heart or muscle problems. This imbalance could be due to heart issues, muscle injuries, or other non-liver-related concerns.
- Lower SGOT to SGPT Ratio: A lower ratio may indicate liver problems. Liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver damage can cause this imbalance, leading to a higher SGPT level compared to SGOT.
Bilirubin Direct
Direct bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is a form of bilirubin that has been processed in the liver and attached to glucuronic acid. This makes it water-soluble, allowing it to be excreted in bile. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin can indicate various health conditions related to liver or bile duct problems. Diseases causing high bilirubin levels are classified into three categories: pre-hepatic (due to conditions like hemolytic anemia, affecting indirect bilirubin), hepatic (liver-related issues), and post-hepatic (due to blockages like gallstones or tumors in the bile ducts, leading to high direct bilirubin).
Bilirubin Total
Total bilirubin is the sum of two forms of bilirubin in the blood: direct (conjugated) bilirubin and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is converted into direct bilirubin by binding with glucuronic acid. The direct bilirubin is then excreted in bile. Elevated total bilirubin levels can indicate various health issues, such as liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or conditions like neonatal jaundice.
Albumin
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood. It is produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance in the body by helping to “pull” excess fluid from tissues back into the bloodstream. Albumin also transports substances like hormones, medications, and enzymes throughout the body. Low albumin levels can indicate liver or kidney problems, as the kidneys may allow albumin to leak into the urine when they are not functioning properly. A blood test can measure the amount of albumin to help diagnose and monitor liver and kidney conditions.