Blood (Serum) Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) Test

What is the SGOT test?

This test measures the amount of an enzyme called glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in your blood. This enzyme is found in the liver, muscles (including the heart), and red blood cells. It is released into the blood when cells that contain it are damaged. Other names for this enzyme are aspartate aminotranskinase, aspartate transaminase, and AST.

Why is this test done?

The SGOT level is measured to check the function of your liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, muscles, and red blood cells. It is also measured to monitor medical treatments that may lead to liver inflammation.

How do I prepare for this test?

• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Make sure your health care provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking.
• Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions.

How is the test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.

Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time. There is no risk of getting AIDS, hepatitis, or any other blood-borne disease from this test.

How will I get the test result?

Ask your health care provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What does the test result mean?

The normal SGOT range for adults in most labs is 0 to 35 units per liter (U/L). The normal range may vary slightly from lab to lab. Normal ranges are usually shown next to your results in the lab report.

Your blood level of SGOT may be higher than normal because:

• You have liver damage caused by:
  • infection (such as viral hepatitis or mononucleosis)
  • gallbladder disease
  • toxins (such as alcohol)
  • cancer.
• You have muscle damage caused by:
  • muscle diseases, such as dermatomyositis or polymyositis)
  • progressive muscular dystrophy
  • injury (such as after a fall, auto accident, or seizure).
• Your kidneys, heart, or liver are injured.
• You have congestive heart failure or have had a heart attack or recent heart catheterization.
• You have kidney failure.
• Your pancreas is inflamed.
• There is a breakdown (hemolysis) of your red blood cells.
• You are taking certain medicines, including some used to lower cholesterol levels, some antifungal medicines, acetaminophen, salicylates (aspirin), and some antibiotics such as erythromycin.

What if my test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your health care provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test results are not normal, ask your health care provider:

• if you need additional tests
• what you can do to work toward a normal value
• when you need to be tested again.