AST is present in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells. In cases involving mild tissue injury, the predominant form of AST is that from the cytoplasm. Severe tissue damage results in more of the mitochondrial enzyme being released. High levels of AST can be found in cases such as myocardial infarction, acute liver cell damage, viral hepatitis, and carbon tetrachloride poisoning.
Slight to moderate elevation of AST is seen in muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, and crushed muscle injuries. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase AST values are seen in parenchymal liver diseases characterized by a destruction of hepatocytes.
A healthcare provider usually takes the sample from a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. They collect the blood in a tube and send it to a lab for analysis.
Your doctor will inform you about your results when they become available. The risks of the AST test are minimal. You may experience some discomfort when the blood sample is drawn. You may have pain at the puncture site during or after the test. AST test results vary based on the laboratory completing the analysis, and the typical ranges reported.
The ranges for normal levels also differ depending on your sex and age. Recent research has shown that even mild increases in AST can be a sign of a liver problem that requires further investigation.
Your doctor will talk to you about your results and what they mean. Your doctor will likely take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if other conditions not related to the liver may be causing the abnormalities. Abnormal tests are often repeated to ensure the results are reproducible and accurate. Other tests are typically required to follow up abnormal AST levels.
These can include further blood tests, liver imaging, and liver biopsy. Levels of AST may also be elevated as a result of exposure to drugs or other substances that are toxic to your liver. Depending on the reason for the test and your results, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
If your AST test result shows elevated levels, your doctor may compare it with the results of other liver tests to help determine which form of liver disease you may have.
Complete Directory. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, visit VeteransCrisisLine. Quick Links. What are the symptoms? What happens to people with hepatitis C? Should I get tested? AST Test. What is an AST test?
What is it used for? Why do I need an AST blood test? Risk factors for liver disease include: A family history of liver disease Heavy drinking Obesity Diabetes Taking certain medicines that can cause liver damage. What happens during an AST blood test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? Is there anything else I need to know about an AST blood test? References American Liver Foundation. New York: American Liver Foundation; c
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