Alanine Transaminase (ALT/SGPT)
The single most useful liver enzyme. It rises when liver cells are inflamed or damaged, so it is the first thing checked when a fatty liver, a medicine or a hepatitis infection is suspected
Also known as ALT, SGPT, Alanine transaminase, Alanine aminotransferase, Liver enzyme test, ALT / SGPT, Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT/SGPT)
₹129/-Free collection on orders above ₹500/-
- Reports within
- 8 hours
- Parameter included
- 01see list
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not needed
- Measures
- ALT (SGPT) enzyme level in the blood
- Identifies
- Liver cell injury from fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol or medicines
Collected at home
A trained phlebotomist visits at a time you pick, from the next hour
Sealed single-use kit
Opened in front of you, and carried to the lab under controlled conditions
Report within 8 hours
On WhatsApp and email, with any value outside the normal range highlighted
What is the SGPT test?
ALT, also called SGPT, is an enzyme found mostly inside liver cells. When those cells are inflamed or damaged, ALT leaks into the blood. The test measures that level in units per litre, and it is the most specific single marker of liver cell injury.
A normal ALT is reassuring for the liver, although it does not rule out early scarring. A mildly raised value is very common in India and usually means fatty liver, especially in people with diabetes, a large waist or high triglycerides. Values several times the upper limit point to viral hepatitis, a reaction to a medicine, or heavy drinking. Your doctor will usually pair ALT with SGOT and the rest of a liver panel to work out the cause, and repeat it after a few weeks to see the trend.
No fasting is needed. The sample is collected at home and the report arrives in 8 hours.
SGPT parameters1 measured
SGPT (ALT)
10–49 U/L
Alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme that leaks from injured liver cells, rising with fatty liver, viral hepatitis, alcohol or some medicines
Reference ranges are the lab's defaults for adults and are printed on the report beside every value
How to prepare
- No fasting is needed.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the sample.
- Skip intense exercise the day before; muscle strain can nudge ALT up.
- Take regular medicines as usual and tell the phlebotomist what you take.
Who should take it
People with type 2 diabetes, obesity, high triglycerides or a fatty liver seen on ultrasound. Anyone who drinks alcohol regularly. Anyone starting or continuing statins, anti-tuberculosis treatment, methotrexate, antifungals, or long courses of painkillers. People with a positive hepatitis B or C test, for monitoring. Anyone with tiredness, nausea, right-sided abdominal discomfort or yellow eyes. Family members of someone with liver disease. It is also a routine part of annual health checks.
Before the visit
Tell your doctor about paracetamol, statins, anti-tuberculosis drugs, bodybuilding supplements and herbal preparations. A recent viral fever or a heavy gym session can also raise ALT for a short while.
Why take the SGPT test?
- Fatty liver check: A raised ALT is often the first and only sign, years before any symptom.
- Starting a new medicine: Statins, anti-tuberculosis drugs, methotrexate and antifungals need a baseline ALT and periodic rechecks.
- Diabetes or obesity: Both raise the risk of fatty liver, so an annual ALT makes sense.
- Alcohol: Regular drinking injures liver cells, and ALT shows it before damage is fixed.
- Tracking recovery: A falling ALT after hepatitis or a drug reaction shows the liver is healing.
Questions about the SGPT test
What is the SGPT test used for?
SGPT, or ALT, is an enzyme that leaks out of damaged liver cells. The test picks up liver injury from fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol or medicines, often before any symptom, and is repeated to see whether the liver is recovering.
Do I need to fast for an ALT test?
No fasting is needed. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and skip a hard workout the day before, as both can push the value up.
What sample is taken and how does home collection work?
A small blood sample from the arm. A trained phlebotomist visits your home with a sealed single-use kit, draws the sample in a few minutes and takes it to the lab.
What is the normal range for SGPT?
10 to 49 U/L. Values just above that are common and usually reflect fatty liver. Values two to three times the upper limit, or higher, need prompt medical attention.
What does a high SGPT mean?
Liver cells are being injured. A mild rise most often means fatty liver, especially with diabetes or a large waist. Higher values suggest viral hepatitis, a medicine reaction or heavy drinking. Your doctor will usually add SGOT, bilirubin and a hepatitis screen, and repeat the test in a few weeks.
Who should get an SGPT test and how often?
People with diabetes, obesity or regular alcohol use, once a year. Anyone on statins, anti-tuberculosis drugs, methotrexate or antifungals, as their doctor schedules. Anyone with hepatitis B or C for monitoring, and anyone with tiredness, nausea or yellow eyes straight away.
How long does the SGPT report take?
8 hours from collection. The report arrives on WhatsApp and email. If you are tracking a raised value, keep the earlier reports handy so your doctor can see the trend.
Can gym workouts or protein supplements raise SGPT?
Yes. Intense exercise releases enzymes from muscle, and some bodybuilding supplements strain the liver. If your SGPT is raised and you train hard, tell your doctor; they may repeat the test after a few rest days and add SGOT and a muscle enzyme to tell the two apart.
Is a normal SGPT proof that my liver is healthy?
Not entirely. SGPT can be normal in early scarring and in some people with fatty liver. If you have diabetes, obesity or a fatty liver on ultrasound, your doctor may also use an ultrasound or a fibrosis score alongside the blood test.
Commonly tested together
Often on the same prescription
₹320/-₹400/-20% off
What happens after you book
- A phlebotomist is assigned and reaches you in your chosen slot, as soon as the next hour
- The sample is collected with a sealed single-use kit and moved on a cold chain
- The report lands on WhatsApp and email within 8 hours