Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Also known as: SGOT, AST
Use
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is a serum enzyme primarily used in assessing liver health. It is also found in cardiac and skeletal muscle, so elevated levels may indicate hepatic injury or muscle damage. AST is commonly ordered as part of comprehensive metabolic panels or liver function evaluations to screen for or monitor liver disease and related conditions.
Special Instructions
Test is available individually (Test Code 822) and also included in panels such as the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) or Hepatic Function Panel. No special collection prep noted; fasting generally not required. Accessible through Quest Diagnostics’ standard ordering channels.
Limitations
As AST is present in multiple tissues, elevated results are not specific to liver pathology and may reflect muscle or cardiac injury. Interpretation should occur in clinical context and alongside other laboratory and clinical findings.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided