- Product description:
- Overview:
What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of Aspartate transaminase (AST) in the blood. AST is normally found in the liver cells. However, when the liver is damaged ALT may leak into the bloodstream. AST test is also called SGOT (Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase).
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To evaluate the function of liver
- To screen for liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis caused by alcohol and other substances toxic to the liver
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- What are the symptoms of a liver disease?
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Dark colored urine
- Pale stool color
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin.
- What are the symptoms of high SGOT?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Excessive bleeding or bruising
- Which medicine might affect my test results?
Before this test, inform your doctor about your complete medical history especially of the prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. Ibuprofen might compromise the results of this test.
- What other test might be done with SGOT?
- ALT
- ALP
- Albumin test
- Bilirubin test
- Glucose test
- Platelet count.
- What are causes of high AST other than liver problems?
Other than liver problems, AST can be elevated in condition with damage to the heart or skeletal muscles and acute pancreatitis.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness
.
- What are the risk factors for liver disease?
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Exposure to hepatitis virus
- Family history of liver disease
- Diabetes
- Tattoos or body-piercing
- Unprotected sex
Normal reference range:
Males: 10-40 units per liter
Females: 9-32 units per liter
- Interpretation of test results:
- Causes of raised AST:
- Acute hepatitis
- Chronic hepatitis
- Decreased blood flow to liver
- Drugs that are toxic to the liver
- Blocked bile ducts
- Cirrhosis
- Liver tumors
