Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test
Test Overview
An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme, Opens dialog in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, Opens dialog, liver, Opens dialog, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, Opens dialog, and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).
Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood. When body tissue or an organ such as the heart or liver is diseased or damaged, additional AST is released into the bloodstream. The amount of AST in the blood is directly related to the extent and timing of the tissue damage.
The AST test may be done at the same time as a test for alanine aminotransferase, or ALT. The ratio of AST to ALT sometimes can help determine whether the liver or another organ has been damaged. Both ALT and AST levels can test for liver damage.
This test is done to:
- Check for liver damage.
- Help look for liver disease, such as hepatitis. Liver disease may cause symptoms. These may include pain in the upper belly, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice.
- Check to see how well treatment for liver disease is working.
- Find out if jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
- Keep track of the effects of medicines that can damage the liver.
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How long the test takes
The test will take a few minutes.
Watch
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values
High levels of AST may be caused by:
- Liver damage from conditions such as hepatitis, Opens dialog or cirrhosis, Opens dialog.
- A heart attack or heart failure, Opens dialog.
- Many medicines, such as statins, Opens dialog, antibiotics, chemotherapy, aspirin, and opioids, Opens dialog.
- Severe injury to a muscle.
- Kidney or lung damage.
- Mononucleosis, Opens dialog.
- Some types of cancer.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
