Test details
AST
It is a blood test that measures the level of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the blood. This enzyme is found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys Read More
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It is a blood test that measures the level of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the blood. This enzyme is found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys Read More
The liver is located in the right upper portion of the abdominal cavity just beneath the rib cage. The liver has many functions vital to life. Some of the important functions of the human liver are:
Detoxification of blood
Production of important clotting factors, albumin, and many other important proteins
Metabolizing (processing) medications and nutrients
Processing of waste products of hemoglobin and other cells
Storing of vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile
Production of glucose
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme, a protein that speeds up certain chemical reactions in the body. It is found mainly in your liver but also in your heart, muscles, and other tissues. Usually, you will have low levels of AST in your blood. When your liver or other cells that contain AST are damaged, they release AST into your blood. This can lead to high AST levels in your blood.
Doing excercises
Older age.
Medical history.
Medicines like antibiotics
Diet
Yes, infants and children can undergo an AST test and it is completely safe. In babies, the AST test is often done through the “heel-stick” process.
In older children, the blood is collected from the veins and your child may feel a temporary discomfort. Parents can stay with their children to make them comfortable during the whole procedure.
Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme that’s commonly measured along with AST in a liver function panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Both these enzymes can leak into your bloodstream when certain cells in your body are damaged.
While both are known as liver enzymes, AST is found in more parts of your body than ALT. For this reason, higher-than-normal levels of ALT tend to be a more specific indicator of liver conditions than higher-than-normal AST levels. However, your healthcare provider will usually review both these levels together when assessing the health of your liver.
Hepatitis (liver inflammation).
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
Taking medications
Liver tumor
not enough blood flow to your liver
Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Mononucleosis ("mono").
Muscle disease.
Pancreatitis.
Deep burns.
Seizure.
Heart procedures.
Surgery.
Intense exercise.
People who are pregnant may also have increased levels of AST.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Often measured alongside AST, ALT is another enzyme found in the liver. The AST/ALT ratio is used to help diagnose liver conditions.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): A group of tests that measure AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to assess overall liver health and function.
Creatine Kinase (CK): Elevated CK levels may indicate muscle damage, which could be related to AST levels if muscle injury is suspected.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): While not directly related to AST, a CBC can help evaluate overall health and detect issues that might affect AST levels.
Hepatitis Panels: These tests detect the presence of hepatitis viruses (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, C). Viral hepatitis can lead to liver damage, which may cause elevated AST levels.
Loss of appetite
Feeling overly tired and weak
Nausea and vomiting
Itching
Dark urine or light-colored stool
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Swollen legs or ankles
