Aspartate Aminotransferase (ast/sgot)

Male     : Upto 40 U/ml

Female  :              Upto 32 U/ml

• Prolonged use of alcohol, medication that affects liver, viral hepatitis causes damage to the liver. Liver function tests help determine the health of the liver.
• The AST test is also done as part of routine preventive testing when evaluating the overall health of a person
• The test is routinely ordered for those who are at high risk of liver damage: Liver cirrhosis patients, alcohol abuse and those with a family of liver disease.
• The test is also useful in patients who are undergoing treatment for a liver condition. The AST levels in the blood is low and when the results are high it indicates liver damage. When the patient undergoes treatment for their condition, the levels go back to normal.

The test is ordered along with other liver function test when a patient display symptoms of liver damage:

• Jaundice
• Dark colored urine
• Stools that are light colored
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Swelling in legs and ankles

Bruises, swollen belly and itchy skin

The Aspartate Aminotransferase test checks for the levels of AST in the blood. AST is a liver enzyme that is primarily found in liver and helps the body derive energy from food.

Other names: AST, SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) 

Aspartate Aminotransferase is primarily found in liver and in small amounts in liver, pancreas, heart etc. Besides helping the body derive energy, the enzyme also helps facilitate biological processes. AST is one of the most commonly ordered liver function tests along with other tests like ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Protein test, bilirubin etc.

Interpretation

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various parts of the body. AST is found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells, and it is commonly measured clinically as a marker for liver health. AST levels increase during chronic viral hepatitis, blockage of the bile duct, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, kidney failure, hemolytic anemia, pancreatitis, hemochromatosis. AST levels may also increase after a heart attack or strenuous activity. 

If AST is high and ALT levels are normal, it is most likely because there is a problem that is unrelated to the liver. This is because ALT is more concentrated in the liver than AST. A high level of AST indicates alcohol damage.

Your doctor will help interpret the report basis what you are being tested for.