What is an AST Test?
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it's also in muscles and other organs in your body. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
Other names: SGOT test, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase test; aspartate transaminase test
What is it used for?
An AST blood test is often part of a routine blood screening to check the health of your liver. The test may help diagnose or monitor liver problems. It may also help diagnose other health conditions.
Why do I need an AST blood test?
You may get an AST blood test as part of your routine checkup or if you have symptoms of liver damage. These may include:
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Weakness
Jaundice, is a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen (belly)
Swelling in your ankles and legs
Dark-coloured urine (pee) and/or light-coloured stool (poop)
Frequent itching
Even if you don't have symptoms, your healthcare provider may order an AST blood test if you're more likely to develop the liver disease because of:
A family history of liver disease
Alcohol use disorder
Obesity
Diabetes
Taking certain medicines that can cause liver damage
Hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis
What do the results mean?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis.
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Many things can affect your results, such as certain medicines and your age, sex, and diet. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
The normal range is 8 to 33 U/L.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it's also in muscles and other organs in your body. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. The test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
Other names: SGOT test, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase test; aspartate transaminase test
What is it used for?
An AST blood test is often part of a routine blood screening to check the health of your liver. The test may help diagnose or monitor liver problems. It may also help diagnose other health conditions.
Why do I need an AST blood test?
You may get an AST blood test as part of your routine checkup or if you have symptoms of liver damage. These may include:
Nausea and vomiting
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
Weakness
Jaundice, is a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen (belly)
Swelling in your ankles and legs
Dark-coloured urine (pee) and/or light-coloured stool (poop)
Frequent itching
Even if you don't have symptoms, your healthcare provider may order an AST blood test if you're more likely to develop the liver disease because of:
A family history of liver disease
Alcohol use disorder
Obesity
Diabetes
Taking certain medicines that can cause liver damage
Hepatitis or exposure to hepatitis
What do the results mean?
High levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or other liver diseases. High AST levels may also be a sign of heart problems or pancreatitis.
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Many things can affect your results, such as certain medicines and your age, sex, and diet. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
The normal range is 8 to 33 U/L.
Inputs Courtesy: ENT Specialist Doctor with 41 years of experience. He can be reached only by WhatsApp messages at 9243301223.
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