Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)

What is AST?

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and heart. An enzyme is a protein that helps our body perform a specific function. it helps the chemical reactions in our body. The aminotransferase is found, in high levels, in the liver, muscles, heart, kidneys, brain, as well as red blood cells. Also, a small amount of AST is found in our blood. When the levels are high in our blood, this normally indicates a health problem that needs to be addressed.

Why take an AST Test?

This test measures the level of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and is normally ordered to check for liver illnesses such as hepatitis. An AST is normally accompanied by the ALT test. Together, they can indicate a possible liver injury, a heart condition, or a muscle problem. Those who experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, sweating, jaundice, dark urine, bleeding difficulties and abdominal pain should get there AST levels checked. Those who are at higher risk of developing liver conditions are also advised to get their AST tested. High liver risks include exposure to viruses that may cause hepatitis, being a heavy drinker, using drugs, having a family history of liver illnesses, diabetes, and being overweight.

The test may also be used to check the status of certain liver disorders and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. It could be ordered periodically while you are receiving the treatment. Also, certain medications that may be addressing other illnesses could lead to liver damage. In that case your AST levels need to be checked to make sure your medication is not causing other damages is in your body.

In conclusion, the AST test is used to:

• Screen for liver injury or liver disease
• Help assess for a possible bile duct obstruction
• Monitor people with existing liver disease
• Help evaluate overall liver health

What can cause AST levels to rise?

When there is liver damage, the AST level increases. Several conditions can damage the liver, causing elevated AST levels. These include viral hepatitis, taking certain medications, and several non-liver conditions. It takes AST about 6 hours to increase following a tissue damage. Newborns and kids up to age 3 years have relatively high AST levels then older children and adults.

Certain medications can increase your AST levels. These include prescription drugs and natural health products. Also, being pregnant, having medicine shots and injections in your muscles, as well as heavy workout could lead to an increase in the AST levels. These latter are also the result of acute burns, surgery and seizures.

What your AST Test Results mean?

AST and ALT are two of the most important tests to detect liver injury. According to your AST levels you may better understand your body and health. For example, if your AST results are 15 times more than the recommended range; then, you might be dealing with an Acetaminophen poisoning or a loss of blood supply to the liver. If your AST results, are 5 to 15 times higher than the normal range; then, you might be dealing with acute viral hepatitis. Finally, if your results are up to 5 times higher than the normal ranges then you're probably looking at a possibility for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, hemochromatosis, an autoimmune hepatitis; or, that could be the effect of a certain medication on your liver.

Where can I get an AST test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Mar 12, 2020