Aspartate aminotransferase (ast) test

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of AST in the blood. AST is an enzyme. When AST levels are higher than normal, it can mean that the liver or another organ is damaged or diseased.

This test is done to:

• Check for liver damage.
• Help look for liver disease, such as hepatitis. Liver disease may cause symptoms. These may include pain in the upper belly, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice.
• Check to see how well treatment for liver disease is working.
• Find out if jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
• Keep track of the effects of medicines that can damage the liver.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

In general, you don't need to do anything before your child has this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High values

High levels of AST may be caused by:

• Liver damage from conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
• A heart attack or heart failure.
• Many medicines, such as statins, antibiotics, chemotherapy, aspirin, and opioids.
• Severe injury to a muscle.
• Kidney or lung damage.
• Mononucleosis.
• Some types of cancer.