Typical reference ranges
| Test | Typical adult range | Mainly reflects |
|---|---|---|
| ALT (SGPT) | 7–40 U/L | Liver cell injury |
| AST (SGOT) | 10–40 U/L | Liver, heart and muscle injury |
| ALP | 40–130 U/L | Bile ducts, bone (higher in teens and pregnancy) |
| GGT | Below about 60 U/L (men), 40 (women) | Bile ducts, alcohol, some medicines |
| Total bilirubin | 0.1–1.2 mg/dL (2–21 µmol/L) | Jaundice: liver, bile ducts or red cell breakdown |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 g/dL (35–50 g/L) | Liver protein production, nutrition |
Ranges based on: MedlinePlus; ACG Clinical Guideline. Full references are listed at the end of this page.
Use your own lab's range. Reference ranges differ between labs, analysers and methods, and with age, sex and pregnancy. The range printed on your report takes priority over the figures here.
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General information only, not a diagnosis. Your lab's printed range takes priority.
Tests in this panel
Two main patterns
Hepatocellular pattern (ALT and AST up more than ALP): seen with fatty liver, viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E), alcohol, medicines and supplements. Cholestatic pattern (ALP and GGT up more than ALT): seen with gallstones blocking the bile duct, other bile duct problems and some medicines.
The most common causes of mildly raised enzymes
- Fatty liver (now called MASLD), linked with weight, diabetes and high triglycerides
- Alcohol
- Medicines, including paracetamol overdose, statins, TB drugs and herbal remedies
- Hepatitis B and C, which are common in Pakistan and parts of Africa
- Muscle injury or heavy exercise (raises AST and sometimes ALT)
Bilirubin and Gilbert's syndrome
A mildly raised bilirubin with otherwise normal tests is often Gilbert's syndrome, a harmless inherited condition reported in about 2–20% of people depending on the population, which makes bilirubin rise during fasting or illness.
Names on South Asian reports
Many reports still use the older names SGPT for ALT and SGOT for AST. Normal limits differ between labs and are often lower for women.
Frequently asked questions
What is SGPT on my report?
It is ALT (alanine aminotransferase), the most liver-specific enzyme.
Do I need to fast for an LFT?
Usually not, though some labs prefer a fasting sample when other tests are taken at the same time.
Is an ALT of 60 serious?
It is mildly raised. Fatty liver is the most common reason; your doctor may check for hepatitis and repeat the test.
Can exercise raise liver enzymes?
Yes. Heavy exercise can raise AST and sometimes ALT for a few days.