Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Why this test?

To detect liver damage. 

As a rule, the test for AST is prescribed together with the analysis for Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or as a component of the general analysis of liver function. AST and ALT are considered the two most important indicators of liver damage, although ALT is more specific than AST. In some cases, AST is directly compared to ALT and their ratio (AST / ALT) is calculated. It can be used to find out the causes of liver damage.

The AST level in the blood is often compared with the results of other tests, such as alkaline phosphatase (AL), total protein, and bilirubin, to determine the specific form of liver disease.

To control the effectiveness of treatment of liver diseases.

To monitor the health of patients taking drugs that are potentially toxic to the liver.

If the activity of AST increases, the patient can be switched to other drugs.

In what cases is it prescribed?

With symptoms of liver diseases: weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and bloating, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark urine.

In the presence of factors that increase the risk of developing liver diseases: previously experienced hepatitis or recent contact with hepatitis infection, excessive alcohol consumption, hereditary predisposition to liver diseases, taking drugs that can damage the liver, overweight or diabetes.

Regularly throughout the treatment process to determine its effectiveness.

Test Information

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that is found in all cells of the body, but its highest content is in the heart and liver and to a lesser extent in the kidneys and muscles. In healthy patients, the activity of AST in the blood is small and the norm of AST has low values.

When the liver or muscles are damaged, AST is released, and the AST content in the blood increases. In this regard, the activity of this enzyme is an indicator of liver damage. AST analysis is part of the so-called liver tests - studies that diagnose liver disorders. The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity.

It participates in the implementation of many important functions of the body - in the processing of nutrients, the production of bile, the synthesis of proteins, such as blood coagulation factors, and also breaks down potentially toxic compounds into safe substances. A number of diseases lead to damage to liver cells, which contributes to an increase in ALT activity.

Most often, an AST test is prescribed to check whether there is damage to the liver as a result of the development of hepatitis, taking toxic drugs, or cirrhosis. However, AST does not always reflect only liver damage, the activity of this enzyme can also increase in diseases of other organs, in particular, in myocardial infarction.