How is a Liver Function Test Done?
A liver function test is done by drawing blood from your arm and analyzing it. Your doctor may require you to fast before the test and refrain from taking certain types of medication. An LFT checks the presence and levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. How high or low the levels are can indicate a problem with your liver. The SGOT Test The SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transminase) test, also known as an AST test, measures the amount of a protein enzyme called glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase occurring in your blood. This enzyme is normally found in the liver, heart muscles, muscles and red blood cells. When these cells sustain damage, they release this protein enzyme into your blood. SGOT levels are measured to see how your liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, muscles and red blood cells are functioning, and whether medicines you take might pose a risk to liver function. Normal SGOT Levels Normal SGOT levels for most adults range from 0 to 35 units per liter. But even i
