The SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) blood test, also known as the AST (aspartate aminotransferase) test, is a blood test that measures the levels of the enzyme AST in the blood to assess liver health. AST is a protein made by liver cells, and when liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream, causing the level of AST in the blood to become elevated. The SGOT test is part of a liver profile, and it is often used to help diagnose liver damage or liver disease.

The SGOT test is a simple blood test that usually only takes a few minutes to complete. During the test, a healthcare professional will:

• Clean the site of the blood draw with an antiseptic wipe
• Insert a needle into a vein in the arm to take a blood sample, which may cause people to feel a mild prick or pain
• Remove the needle once they have drawn enough blood
• Send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing

The normal range for SGOT levels in the blood is typically between 10 and 40 units per liter (U/L) of blood. However, numbers over 50 for cisgender males and 45 for cisgender females indicate potential liver damage.

Its important to note that SGOT is found in several areas of the body, including the kidneys, muscles, heart, and brain. If any of these areas are damaged, SGOT levels may be higher than normal. Therefore, the SGOT test is often ordered with a test for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), another liver enzyme. ALT is more accurate than SGOT at detecting liver disease and can more accurately show whether the problem is in the liver or in another part of the body, like the heart or muscles.

In summary, the SGOT blood test measures the levels of the enzyme AST in the blood to assess liver health. Elevated SGOT levels can indicate liver damage, but its important to consider other factors and tests to accurately diagnose liver disease.