Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) SGOT Test
About aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test
Aspartate transferase, or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), is an enzyme that is found in your muscles, as well as in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, and many other tissues. Although AST is found throughout the body, it is mainly used to assess liver health.
The amount of aspartate transferase enzyme in your blood is determined by an AST blood test. AST levels are typically low, but when muscle or liver cells are damaged, the levels of AST in the patient's blood rise sharply. In general, an AST blood test is used to determine how well your liver is functioning.
An AST blood test is frequently included in a blood test panel, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or a liver enzyme panel (HFP). A blood panel can provide more precise information about your general health by measuring multiple aspects of your blood with a single sample.
Thus, getting your aspartate aminotransferase test done is recommended to screen for and monitor liver diseases.
This test is also known as
SGOT test, aspartate transaminase test and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase test
Symptoms of liver disease
The symptoms of liver disease include
Jaundice
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark-coloured urine
Light-coloured stool
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Itchy skin
When should someone get tested?
An AST test is recommended for individuals who have a high risk for liver damage because of
Family history of liver disease
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Obesity
Diabetes
Medicines that may cause liver damage
Hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis virus
Preparation for the test
There is no special preparation required for the AST blood test. However, other blood tests are frequently ordered in addition to an AST test. Some liver panel blood tests require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test, only drinking water during this time is recommended.
Some medications can also affect the liver, so ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.
Interpretation of results
|
Parameters |
Normal AST test values |
|
AST (SGOT), Serum |
< 50 U/L |
Â
Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, and some laboratories use different measurement units.
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
·        Hepatocyte destruction is characterized by elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values. In this condition, values are at least 10 times higher than the normal range.
·        Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is typically as high as or higher than AST in infectious hepatitis and other inflammatory liver conditions, and the ALT:AST ratio, which is normally less than 1, becomes greater than 1.
·        Although normal levels are found in the early stages of malignant infiltration of the liver, patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer experience 5-to-10-fold elevations of both AST and ALT, with AST typically being higher than ALT.
·        Conditions affecting the kidney, skeletal muscle, and heart can also cause elevated AST values.
FAQs
What happens during an AST test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes.
What are the risks associated with an AST test?
This test involves negligible risk of infection. There might be slight bruising or tenderness around the site where the needle is inserted.
Does an abnormal AST level always mean liver damage?
Several conditions can affect the results of AST test. Multiple factors like medications, immune conditions, pregnancy, etc. can lead to abnormal AST test results. High AST levels may also be caused due to pancreatitis or heart issues. Thus, a high AST level does not always mean severe liver disease.
What should you do if you have an abnormal AST test result?
An abnormal AST test result can indicate liver damage caused by conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, mononucleosis, heart problems, or pancreatitis. The AST test result is used to help diagnose your condition or determine a suitable treatment for you. In some cases, this blood test is not enough to diagnose specific liver diseases and requires further tests, like imaging tests, a liver biopsy, or blood tests for certain viruses to help make a final diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will decide on a suitable treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis.
When should I take an AST test?
Patients at risk for liver damage, such as heavy drinkers, obese people, and those with diabetes, should get an AST test. A person's risk of liver damage increases if they have a family history of liver disease or have been exposed to hepatitis viruses. As a result, they are also recommended to take the test.
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