Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase)

Results

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. Results are usually available within 12 hours.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

8–35 units per liter (U/L) or 5–40 international units per liter (IU/L)

High values

Very high levels of AST may be caused by:

• Recent or severe liver damage, such as hepatitis caused by a viral infection or drug reaction.
• Decay of a large tumor (necrosis).
• Shock.

Moderately high levels of AST may be caused by:

• A heart attack or heart failure.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Having taken high doses of vitamin A.
• Kidney or lung damage.
• Liver damage, such as from cirrhosis.
• Mononucleosis.
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
• Some types of cancer.
• A rare autoimmune disease that affects muscles (myositis).

Slightly high levels of AST may be caused by:

• A heart attack or heart failure.
• Hemolytic anemia, such as that caused by sickle cell anemia or a reaction to blood transfusion.
• Cancer.
• Pancreatitis.

AST levels may be high when a disease first develops, which is often when tissue damage is most severe. Decreasing levels of AST in the blood may be a sign of recovery from the disease or injury.

Many other conditions, including severe burns, traumatic injuries, pulmonary embolism, or heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and ingestion of poisonous mushrooms may cause elevated AST levels.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated January 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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