SGOT

SGOT or Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. SGOT is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGOT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise SGOT levels.

Function

SGOT is a enzyme that helps trigger chemical reactions in the body. It is found in a variety of tissues, including the liver, heart, and muscles. It is also present in lesser amounts in other tissues. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body.

Medical Use

The SGOT test is a blood test that measures the amount of the enzyme in the blood. It is used to detect liver disease and is often ordered in conjunction with another transaminase enzyme, ALT, or alanine transaminase. The levels of these two enzymes can help doctors diagnose whether a patient has liver disease or a problem with their heart.

Conditions Related to SGOT Levels

High levels of SGOT can be a sign of liver damage, heart disease, or muscle disease. Some common conditions that can cause high SGOT levels include, but are not limited to:

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Mononucleosis
• Heart attack

See Also

• Liver function tests
• Alanine transaminase
• Aspartate transaminase

References

SGOT Resources
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