What is the full form of SGOT

SGOT: Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase. It is now usually known as AST, which stands for aspartate aminotransferase. It is an enzyme which is found in liver, heart cells, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and other tissues except for bones.

AST levels are generally low in the blood of a healthy person. The normal level of AST in the blood is around 5 to 40 units per litre of serum (the liquid part of the blood). SGOT or AST is released into the blood when there is damage to the liver, heart, kidneys, and other tissues. So, the increased level of AST in the blood may be due to liver damage, heart stroke, muscle injury, or damage to tissues where it is present.

Why is the AST test needed?

The AST test is performed to check the level of this enzyme in the blood. It helps your doctor to diagnose damage to liver, heart, muscles, kidney, etc. Mostly, it is done if a person has symptoms of liver damage, such as

• Yellow skin and eyes
• Swollen belly
• Appetite loss
• Dark-colored urine
• Light-colored poop
• Swollen legs and ankles

Other reasons for this test:

• Hepatitis virus infection
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Taking medicine that may have negative effect on liver
• Family history of liver diseases
• Obesity
• Diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Pancreatitis
• Seizures
• Muscle injury

Side effects of AST Test:

• Bruising
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fainting or feeling dizzy
• Blood accumulation beneath the skin

You should have an AST test report in a day with results mentioned in units per litre (units/litre).

• The normal ranges of for males: 10 to 40 units/L
• The normal ranges of females: 9 to 32 units/L