Description of the blood Analysis: 

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), historically known as GOT (Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase), is an enzyme found in high concentrations in tissues with high metabolic activity. While it is most commonly associated with the liver, it is also present in significant amounts in the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and red blood cells. When these cells are damaged or inflamed, AST leaks into the bloodstream, making it a sensitive marker for detecting tissue injury.

What Does the Analysis Represent?

• Goal: To detect and monitor liver damage, muscle injury, or heart conditions.
• Main Application: Evaluating liver health (especially in cases of hepatitis or cirrhosis), distinguishing between liver and muscle damage, and monitoring the toxic effects of medications on the liver.
• Biological Process: It reflects the integrity of cellular membranes; any process that causes cell death or “leakage” will result in an elevation of AST in the plasma.

Recommendations for the Test (General)

• Fasting: Recommended. Fasting for 8–12 hours is preferred to ensure a stable baseline and prevent interference from dietary fats.
• Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as AST is found in muscles and can rise following intense physical exertion.
• Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before the blood draw, as it can cause a temporary spike in liver enzymes.
• Material: Venous blood (serum).

What Can Affect the Results?

• Exercise: Heavy weightlifting or long-distance running can significantly increase AST levels due to muscle micro-trauma.
• Medications: Many drugs, including statins, antibiotics, and high doses of acetaminophen, can cause a rise in AST.
• Hemolysis: If red blood cells in the sample rupture (hemolysis) during collection, AST levels will be falsely elevated because the enzyme is present inside those cells.
• Supplements: Certain herbal supplements (like kava or comfrey) can be toxic to the liver and increase enzyme levels.

When to Take the Test?

• Liver Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, or swelling in the legs.
• Monitoring: If you are taking medications known to affect the liver or have chronic conditions like Hepatitis B or C.
• Post-Trauma: To assess for muscle damage after a severe injury or “crush” syndrome.
• General Screening: As part of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) or Liver Function Test (LFT).

How to Interpret the Results?

Important: AST levels require professional interpretation as this enzyme is found in the liver, heart, and muscles. High AST: Signals that cells in the liver or muscles are damaged and leaking the enzyme into the blood. Interpretation: Doctors often compare this value with ALT to pinpoint the source of the damage.

Possible Further Investigations

• ALT (GPT): To determine if the elevation is specifically coming from the liver (ALT is more liver-specific than AST).
• GGT and Alkaline Phosphatase: To check for bile duct issues or gallbladder obstruction.
• Liver Ultrasound: To visualize the structure of the liver for signs of fat, scarring, or tumors.
• CPK (Creatine Kinase): If muscle damage is suspected as the cause of high AST.

When Does the Next Step Make Sense? 

The next step is necessary if AST levels are elevated beyond the reference range. Because AST is found in multiple organs, a physician will compare it with the ALT result to “pinpoint” the source. If the liver is the suspected cause, further imaging or viral serology (Hepatitis tests) will be the standard follow-up to prevent long-term organ damage.

👉 If necessary, you can discuss the results of the analysis with a specialist, such as a Gastroenterologist (Doctors – TAMC)