Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

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

Why It Is Done

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is done to:

• Help find the cause of liver damage.
• Help identify liver disease, especially hepatitis and cirrhosis. Liver disease may produce symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice.
• Check on the recovery from or treatment for liver disease.

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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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