Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT, GOT)
Investigation of liver damage. It is often ordered together with an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test for the diagnosis or evaluation of liver disease. AST and ALT are considered the two most important tests for detecting liver damage.
5,00 €
Why do I need an aspartate aminotransferase test?
Investigation of liver damage. It is often ordered together with an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test for the diagnosis or evaluation of liver disease. AST and ALT are considered the two most important tests for detecting liver damage. An AST/ALT ratio can be calculated to help distinguish between causes of liver damage.
When should I be tested?
When your doctor suspects liver damage. Patients with general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, ascites and/or abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice), darkening of the urine, altered stools, itchy skin.
What sample is needed for the test?
Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
How to prepare for the survey?
No need.
What do my results mean?
Normal aspartate aminotransferase AST activity in the blood is low. Very high AST activity (>10 times the upper limit) is usually associated with acute hepatitis, often caused by viral infections. In acute hepatitis, high AST activity usually persists for about 1-2 months. In some cases, it may take 3-6 months for AST levels to return to normal. AST activity can also be significantly increased by exposure to drugs or other substances toxic to the liver. In chronic hepatitis, AST activity is usually not as high, often within 4 times the upper limit. Other causes of mild (moderate) increases in ALT activity include biliary obstruction, cirrhosis (usually caused by chronic hepatitis or biliary obstruction) and liver cancer. In many liver diseases, ALT activity is higher than AST, and the ratio of AST to ALT is low. There are a few exceptions: the AST/ALT ratio is usually high in alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis and muscle damage.
Related studies
ALT, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, bilirubin, total protein. Hepatitis A, B and C tests. Copper and ceruloplasmin. Iron and ferritin. Dialotransferrin (CDT).
Related conditions/diseases.
Viral hepatitis. Alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis of the liver.
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