Aspartate aminotransferase AST, SGOT

Aspartate aminotransferase AST, SGOT is an enzyme is found mostly in the liver, heart brain kidney, muscles, and many tissues in your body. AST, SGOT is a blood test that checks for liver damage. There are thousands of different enzymes throughout your body that have important functions. Your liver is an organ that has many important jobs in the body. It makes a fluid called bile that helps your body digest food. AST blood test is included in a liver function test and comprehensive metabolic panel.

Does this test have another name

Aspartate aminotransferase AST, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase SGOT

How the test performed

A blood sample needed

Why the test performed

Aspartate aminotransferase AST is a blood test that checks AST in your blood. In most cases your doctor uses AST blood test to check the health of your liver. When body cells get damaged then AST leaks into your bloodstream. Normally AST level in the blood is low. But for many types of liver conditions AST levels in your bloodstream rise.

Why Need This Test

Doctor Recommended AST test If you have symptoms of liver damage such as,

Jaundice
Dark colored urine
Stomach pain
Itchy skin
Yellow skin or eyes
Tiredness
Weakness
Swollen belly
Appetite loss
Light colored poop
Swelling in your legs and ankles
Bruises
Fatigue
Lack of appetite

What Are The Risk

ALT blood test is safe. Risks are usually minor and can include:

Bleeding
Bruising
Infection
Slight pain when the needle is inserted
Fainting or feeling dizzy

What Does the Result Mean

Normal AST Results in 10 to 40 unit/L

Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples

An increased AST level may be due to any of the following:

Cirrhosis Scarring of the liver
Hepatitis
Alcoholic use
Death of liver tissue
Heart attack
Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
Swollen and inflamed liver
Liver ischemia
Liver cancer or tumor
Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver,
Mononucleosis
Muscle disease or trauma
Swollen and inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)

AST level may also increase after:

Burns (deep)
Heart procedures
Seizure
Surgery