Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), also known as Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain.

Elevated AST levels indicate cell injury or tissue damage in these organs.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, drug-induced injury).

Assessing heart damage (e.g., myocardial infarction).

Evaluating muscle injury or diseases (e.g., muscular dystrophy).

Monitoring patients on medications that may affect liver or muscle function.

The test is performed using a blood sample

Analyte: Aspartate Aminotransferase enzyme activity in serum.

Normal Range: ~10 – 40 U/L (varies by lab).

Abnormal Findings:

High AST: Suggests liver damage, heart attack, muscle injury, or other organ damage.

Mild elevation: May occur with strenuous exercise.

Clinical Use:

Provides a marker for tissue injury, especially liver and heart.

Helps differentiate causes of elevated liver enzymes (used with ALT/SGPT).

Guides treatment and monitoring of liver and cardiac conditions.