Lab test · Hepatology
SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST)
Liver health
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Liver health
SGOT, also called AST (aspartate aminotransferase), is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, but also in the heart, muscles and red blood cells. When these cells are damaged, AST leaks into the blood and the level rises. Because it is not found only in the liver, doctors usually read AST together with ALT (SGPT), which is more specific to the liver.
Why a doctor may order it
- As part of a liver check when you have jaundice, nausea, tiredness or pain under the right ribs
- To check for liver injury from viral hepatitis, fatty liver or alcohol
- To monitor the liver while taking medicines that can affect it
- To help work out whether raised enzymes come from the liver or from muscle
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Normal meals and drinks are fine before this test. Try to avoid very hard exercise the day before, as heavy muscle work can raise AST for a short time. Keep taking your usual medicines, and tell your doctor about any herbal remedies or supplements you use.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm during the home visit. It takes a few minutes, and the same sample can be used if SGPT or other liver tests are booked at the same time.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
Your report shows AST next to the laboratory's reference range. A raised AST can point to liver injury, such as hepatitis, fatty liver or alcohol-related damage, but it can also come from muscle injury, heavy exercise or some heart problems. When AST is clearly higher than ALT, doctors think about alcohol-related liver disease or a muscle source. Your doctor will interpret the result with your other liver tests, symptoms and history.
What's included
One test: SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase, ALT)Liver health৳150
- Liver Function Test (LFT)Liver function৳550
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)Liver & bile duct health৳450
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, especially in the cells lining the bile ducts, and in bone.
- Creatine Kinase (CK, CPK)Creatine kinase (CK), also called CPK, is an enzyme found mainly in skeletal muscles, with smaller amounts in the heart and brain.
- Serum Bilirubin (Total)Jaundice & liver check৳150
Questions people ask
What is the difference between SGOT and SGPT?
Both are enzymes released when liver cells are damaged. SGPT (ALT) is found mostly in the liver, while SGOT (AST) is also found in muscle and the heart, so SGPT is more specific for the liver.
Can exercise raise SGOT?
Yes. Hard exercise or heavy physical work can slightly damage muscle fibres and raise AST for a short time. Tell your doctor if you exercised hard before the test.
Are SGOT and AST the same test?
Yes. SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) is the older name, and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is the modern name for the same enzyme.
How much does a SGOT test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳150, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the SGOT test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the SGOT report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.