AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase, SGOT)
AST is an enzyme found in liver, heart, muscle, and other tissue cells.
Elevated AST indicates damage to cells of these organs, so AST is usually assessed together with ALT to understand the nature of damage.
The AST test is used for:
- diagnosing liver diseases
- assessing heart muscle status (as prescribed by a doctor)
- detecting muscle damage
- monitoring treatment dynamics
Why AST may be elevated:
- liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxic damage)
- heart muscle damage (infarction/myocarditis — as prescribed by a doctor)
- muscle injuries/intense exertion
- inflammatory processes
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Fasting for 8-12 hours;
- water is allowed;
- avoid alcohol/fatty food for 24 hours;
- do not smoke for 30 minutes.
Medications: inform staff of medications taken.
Prescribed for:
- pain/heaviness in the right upper quadrant
- suspected hepatitis
- jaundice
- weakness, intoxication
- chest pain (as prescribed by a doctor)
- suspected muscle damage
- monitoring when taking liver-affecting medications
Important: for liver assessment, AST is always considered together with ALT.
The De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT) is often used.
Normal — no significant tissue damage
Elevation — liver/heart/muscle cell damage
Consult a general practitioner/gastroenterologist for abnormalities (depending on symptoms).
CITO-analyses
Result on the day of the request
Result on the day of the request
