Let's find out about your AST level. (Aspartate Transferase - AST) What does that mean?

You've probably seen a value called AST on a blood test report, or heard a doctor talk about it. So, you're probably wondering, "What does AST mean?" Don't worry, let's talk about it simply. Just like you would talk to a friend.

What is AST? Simply put...

AST is the short name for the enzyme Aspartate Transferase . It is sometimes also called Aspartate Aminotransferase . Now you may be wondering, "What is this enzyme?"

Imagine, there are a number of little workers inside our bodies that help various things to work properly. Enzymes are like that. They are actually a type of protein. This enzyme called AST is found in many places in our bodies. It is mainly found in the liver . But in addition, this AST enzyme is found in many other tissues such as the heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, and muscles. However, most of the time, when we talk about AST, it is most often related to the health of our liver.

So what is an AST blood test?

An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. Normally, when our body's cells are damaged, this AST enzyme can build up in the blood. Therefore, a high AST level in a blood sample is a sign that something may be wrong inside the body. Often (but not always) this can be a liver disease.

However, AST is not only found in the liver. Therefore, it is difficult for a doctor to tell exactly what kind of disease you have based on AST levels alone. Often, the AST test is done in conjunction with several other tests. For example, it is done as part of a liver enzyme panel (HFP) or a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) . This allows you to measure many things in a single blood sample and get a complete picture of your health.

The AST test has several other names:

• Aspartate transferase (AST).
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
• Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT).
• SGOT.
• Aspartate transaminase.

What is the difference between AST and ALT?

You may have heard of another value called ALT along with AST. ALT (Alanine Transferase) is another enzyme that is measured in the liver. Both of these are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged.

However, unlike AST, ALT is an enzyme that is primarily found in the liver. AST is found in many other parts of the body. Therefore, elevated ALT levels are considered a more specific indicator of liver disease than elevated AST levels . However, when a doctor is looking at liver health, they usually check both AST and ALT together.

Why do I need an AST test?

The main purpose of an AST test is to detect damage to the cells in our body. This helps detect liver problems, especially if the cells in the liver are damaged, as AST accumulates in the blood. Also, as mentioned earlier, AST levels can be elevated even if cells are damaged elsewhere in the body.

A doctor may ask you to have an AST test (often as part of a panel) for reasons such as:

1. Screening before symptoms appear

Some people are at higher risk of developing liver disease. If you have any of these risk factors, you can have this test to check your liver health before symptoms appear. These risk factors include:

• Excessive alcohol use.
• Having liver disease in the family.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity (increased body fat).
• Injecting drugs with needles used by others.

Sometimes, an AST test is included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) as part of a routine health checkup, so you may need to have this test even if you are not at risk for liver disease.

2. Monitor the condition (Monitoring)

If you already have liver disease, your doctor may order this AST test to see if it's getting better, getting worse, or how well it's doing with treatment. Also, if you're taking medication that can affect the liver, this test is also done to see if the medication is causing liver damage.

3. As an aid in diagnosis (Diagnosing)

If you have symptoms of liver disease, an AST test may be included in the tests to help diagnose it. While AST levels alone cannot diagnose a disease, they are an important part of the diagnostic process.

Some of the symptoms of liver disease are:

• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain).
• Itchy skin.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
• Frequent feeling of tiredness (fatigue).
• The food is tasteless.

Who does the AST blood test? How is it done?

Usually, a person who is specially trained to take blood samples, called a phlebotomist, takes this blood sample. However, any healthcare provider who is trained to take blood can do this. The sample is then sent to a lab. There, a medical laboratory scientist examines the sample and measures the AST level using special machines (analyzers).

Is there anything I need to do before the test?

• Fasting: If your AST test is part of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 10-12 hours before the blood test. However, if you are having just the AST test or just a Hepatic Function Panel (HFP), you usually don't need to fast. However, follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• Medication Information: You should tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some medications can affect AST levels. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking them a few days before the test, unless you are told to. Never stop taking any medications without your doctor's advice.

What happens when you donate blood?

This is very simple.

• You will be seated in a chair. Then a suitable vein will be found in your arm (usually below the elbow, on the inside).
• Once the vein is found, the area is cleaned and disinfected.
• Then, a small needle is inserted into that vein and a blood sample is taken. This may hurt a little, like being bitten by an ant.
• After inserting the needle, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube.
• After you have collected enough blood for the test, remove the needle and apply pressure to the site of the bleeding with a piece of cotton or gauze to stop the bleeding.
• Then a plaster is applied to the area and the job is done.

This entire process usually takes less than five minutes.

What happens after donating blood?

After the blood sample is sent to the lab, the results will be available in about a day or two. Sometimes it can take a little longer. Your doctor will tell you about the results when they come in.

Is there any risk in this?

Blood tests are a very common and important test. The risks are very low. There may be some bruising and soreness where the blood is drawn. But that will quickly go away.

What do the results of the AST test mean?

A blood test report usually includes the following information along with AST results:

• The name of the blood test (it's called AST).
• The amount (value) of AST in your blood.
• The normal range for that test.
• Whether your result is normal or abnormal (high or low).

What is the normal range for AST?

The normal range for AST can vary slightly from one lab to another. A common normal range is 8 to 33 U/L (units/liter) . However, it is important to look at the normal range on your report.

Also, remember, there is no one "normal" AST level that works for everyone. A healthy AST level can vary depending on things like:

• your age.
• Your femininity/masculinity.
• Your race.
• Your weight.

Your doctor will consider all of this and decide on your outcome.

What does it mean if my AST level is high?

If AST levels are elevated, it can be a sign of liver disease. Liver disease is more likely, especially if other liver-related blood tests are also abnormal. However, as mentioned earlier, AST levels can also be elevated if cells in other parts of the body are damaged, in addition to the liver.

Elevated AST levels can indicate liver disease conditions such as:

• Liver damage caused by alcohol.
• Hepatitis.
• Liver scarring (Cirrhosis).
• Taking medications that are harmful (toxic) to the liver.
• A liver tumor or liver cancer.
• Reduced blood supply to the liver (Liver Ischemia) (this can cause liver tissue to die).

Additionally, conditions not directly related to the liver can also cause elevated AST levels:

• Excessive iron accumulation in the body (Hemochromatosis) (this damages the heart, liver, and pancreas).
• A heart attack (Myocardial Infarction).
• Mononucleosis is a fever.
• Muscle diseases.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis).

In addition to these things, AST levels can also temporarily increase after events such as:

• Deep burns.
• Convulsions.
• Heart-related surgeries or procedures.
• Surgery.
• Intense exercise.
• If you are pregnant.

The important thing is that an elevated AST level does not necessarily mean that you have a serious illness. Many other factors can affect this. Your doctor will look at other blood tests, your medical history, and everything else to make a conclusion.

Should I be worried if my AST result is high?

If your AST level is higher than the normal range given on your AST test report, it does not necessarily mean that you have a disease that needs treatment. Even someone with a healthy, well-functioning liver can have an AST level outside the normal range. This can be for many reasons, for example:

• your age.
• Your femininity/masculinity.
• Your race.
• Your diet.
• Exercise.
• Taking medications that affect AST levels.
• You are pregnant.

Your doctor will consider all of these factors, along with your other blood test results, and decide whether you need further testing.

If my AST results are abnormal, will I need to have further tests?

Yes, if your AST level is abnormal, your doctor may order a few more tests. These tests include:

• Repeat AST blood test.
• Other blood tests (e.g. ALT, Bilirubin).
• Imaging tests (e.g. Ultrasound scan).
• A biopsy.

When should I call the doctor?

• If you have symptoms of liver damage (e.g. jaundice, stomach pain), call your doctor immediately.
• If you already know you have liver disease, tell your doctor if you develop new or worrying symptoms.
• If you have any questions about your AST results, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.

The most important thing to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

It's normal to feel a little worried when you see an abnormal value on a blood test report. But remember, just because your AST level is elevated doesn't mean you have a disease or need treatment. Many factors can affect AST levels. About one in 20 healthy people may have results outside the normal range.

Your doctor will decide whether or not you need to do any further tests to find the cause of this abnormal value. So, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about this. They are there to help you. Got it?

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