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Jan 5, 2024 · An AST test and an SGOT test are the same test. This article discusses what constitutes low and high AST (SGOT) values, what causes high AST levels and when they’re concerning, and what to do about low or high AST levels.
- Overview
- Why is the AST test performed?
- What level of AST is concerning?
- What does a high AST level mean?
- How is the AST test done?
- How to prepare for an AST test?
- What are the risks of the AST test?
- What follow-up testing may be necessary?
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
An AST blood test measures levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and helps determine liver function. Too much of this enzyme can indicate a problem, such as liver damage.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. AST is also present in other parts of the body, including the:
•kidneys
•heart
•muscles
Another name for the AST enzyme is serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).
Doctors primarily use the AST blood test to check for and assess liver problems, usually alongside other liver tests. The AST protein mainly occurs in the liver and heart. With liver damage, AST can leak from the liver into the bloodstream. When this happens, AST levels in the blood will be higher than normal.
AST also occurs in the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. If there is damage in any of these areas, AST levels may also increase.
People may have an AST test for screening, diagnosis, or monitoring purposes. A doctor may recommend this test if a person:
•has risk factors for liver disease, such as family history, obesity, or diabetes
•has symptoms of a liver problem, such as jaundice, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss
•is undergoing treatment for a liver condition, as an AST blood test can help show how well treatment is working
After taking a blood test, doctors will classify AST ranges as normal, high, or low. Laboratories may use different testing methods for analyzing samples, so normal ranges can vary between each laboratory. The ranges can also vary based on age, sex, weight, and race, and can still be considered normal.
The measurements for AST levels are typically in units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L). On a test result, the laboratory will usually list their specific reference range.
The following table indicates general AST blood test ranges:
People will need to look at this reference range and discuss with their doctor what their test results mean for them.
Results from an AST blood test can help indicate liver health.
If AST levels are high, it may also be a sign of:
•chronic hepatitis
•damage from alcohol
•cholestasis, a decrease in bile flow
•heart, kidney, bone, or muscle damage
The AST blood test is straightforward and similar to any other blood test. A healthcare professional may take the following steps:
•sit the person down and tie a stretchy band around the upper arm to increase blood flow to that area
•clean the site of the blood draw with an antiseptic wipe
•insert a needle into a vein in the arm to take a blood sample, which may cause people to feel a mild prick or pain
•remove the needle once they have drawn enough blood
•send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing
People may need to fast for several hours if they are having a combination of liver enzyme tests.
If people are only having an AST blood test, they may not need to fast or prepare in any way.
People will need to let their doctor know if they are taking any medications or supplements, as some may interfere with liver enzyme levels.
As a healthcare professional will be taking blood from the arm, it may be helpful to wear short sleeves during the test.
As with any blood test, an AST blood test has very few risks. It is rare to experience any severe side effects, but people may have some mild bruising or discomfort in the area at the site of the blood draw.
A healthcare professional will place a Band-Aid or bandage on the arm to stop any bleeding.
A doctor may order tests along with an AST blood test or follow-up tests. This is to help ensure proper diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. These tests may include:
•ALT test: A doctor may order an ALT test alongside an AST test.
•Platelet count: Low platelet levels may indicate HELLP syndrome during pregnancy.
•Coagulation panel: This measures the functioning of clotting-related proteins that the liver produces.
•Complete metabolic panel: This assesses how well the kidneys and liver are working and shows levels of electrolytes.
•Bilirubin test: A bilirubin test checks levels of a byproduct created when the liver breaks down red blood cells.
What level of AST and ALT is concerning?
AST levels above 40 U/L can indicate liver inflammation, or damage to the heart, bones, or muscles. AST levels above 1,000 U/L may indicate liver injury or hepatitis. Doctors may consider ALT results high if they are above 33 U/L in males and above 25 U/L in females.
How can someone fix high AST levels?
Doctors may recommend certain lifestyle changes to lower liver enzymes, such as: •limit or avoid alcohol •eat a balanced diet •exercise regularly •quit smoking, if relevant Learn more ways to lower liver enzymes.
An AST blood test, or SGOT test, checks how much AST, a liver enzyme, is present in the blood. High levels of AST in the bloodstream could be a sign of liver damage, or cell damage in another organ such as the heart or kidneys.
Doctors may also take additional tests to check other liver enzymes, such as ALT, to get more information on the health of the liver.
Getting your blood test results. You may get your blood test results after a few days, and usually within a few weeks. If you do not hear anything after a few weeks, contact the GP surgery or specialist. The GP, nurse, or specialist should talk to you about your results and explain what happens next.
Understand the result with high, low, and normal results of AST and ALT. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage and varies by person.
Mar 24, 2018 · Liver function tests (LFTs) are among the most commonly ordered blood tests and include: Alanine transaminase (ALT) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) Bilirubin; Albumin; This guide gives an overview of LFTs and a structured approach to their interpretation.
Jan 31, 2018 · Liver blood tests, including international normalised ratio (INR), should be used to assess and monitor liver function in patients who have symptoms or signs of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or liver failure. Signs and symptoms include ascites, peripheral oedema, spider naevi, and hepatosplenomegaly. 3.
People also ask
How long does an AST blood test take?
What does a high AST blood test mean?
What is a AST blood test?
What if my AST test results are too high?
Nov 24, 2021 · When can I expect the results of my AST blood test? In most cases, you should have your test results within one to two business days, though it could take longer. Care at Cleveland Clinic
