AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, but also in muscles and other organs in the body. When cells are damaged by AST, they release AST into your blood.The AST test determines the amount of AST in your blood. This test is usually used to determine liver damage or disease.
Other names: SGOT test, Serum Glutaminergic Oxalate Transaminase Assay. Aspartate transaminase test.
What is it used for?
AST is often considered part of a simple blood test for liver health. This test can help diagnose or maintain liver problems. It can also help diagnose other health problems.
Why do I need an AST blood test?
You can have an AST blood test as part of a routine examination or if you are showing signs of liver damage. These can be
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Yellow und, a condition in which your skin and cleansing turn yellow
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen (abdomen)
- Swollen ankles and legs
- Dark urine (puddles) and/or clear stools (poop)
- Normal itching
Even if you have no symptoms, your caregiver can order an AST blood test if there is a high probability that you have liver disease.
- Family history of liver disease
- Unordered alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Diabetes mellitus
- Taking certain medications that are likely to cause liver damage
- Hepatitis or hepatitis results
What happens during the AST blood test?
The doctor will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare anything for the test?
No special substances are needed for the AST blood test. However, the AST test is usually done in conjunction with other blood tests. You will usually need to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours for the test. Your doctor will tell you if you should follow any special instructions.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
There are no sufficient risks associated with blood testing. You may experience slight pain and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most symptoms disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
Increased blood AST levels can be a symptom of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis or other liver diseases; high AST levels can also be a symptom of heart problems or pancreatitis.
If your results are not on the normal spectrum, this does not always mean that you have a disease that needs to be treated. Almost every package has opportunities to affect your results, including certain medications, age, gender, and diet. Talk to your Internet provider to be aware of what your results mean.
Is there anything else I should know about AST blood tests?
Physicians have the option of ordering an ALT blood test in favor of an AST blood test. ALT stands for alanine transaminase, which is a different type of liver enzyme. an elevated AST and/or ALT may mean that there is some form of liver damage.
AST can be analyzed as part of a group of liver function tests that determine ALT as well as other enzymes, proteins, and medications in the liver.
Provided by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library. & lt; pran & gt; Increased AST levels in the blood can be a symptom of hepatitis, cirrhosis, mononucleosis, or another liver disease; high AST levels are also a symptom of heart problems or pancreatitis.
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