AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in your liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. While ALT is highly specific to the liver, AST is present in multiple tissues. The AST test measures this enzyme to assess liver function, but also to evaluate heart health and detect muscle damage. When ALT and AST are measured together, doctors can identify patterns that help diagnose the type and severity of liver disease. At Zain Cura Medical Center in Dubai, we perform accurate AST testing with results in just 4-6 hours – no fasting required, walk-in welcome, and home collection available 24/7 across Dubai. Our DHA-licensed laboratory uses precise automated methods to measure AST levels with 99.8% accuracy. The AST/ALT ratio is particularly valuable for distinguishing between types of liver disease and estimating fibrosis severity.
Whether you're scheduling a routine health check or your doctor has recommended testing, understanding what this test measures and what your results mean is essential for informed health decisions.
Quick Facts
Essential information about the AST (SGOT - Serine Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) test at a glance
What is an AST Test?
An AST test measures the level of aspartate aminotransferase in your blood. AST is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism found in many tissues, with highest concentrations in liver (20-30% of body's AST), heart muscle, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and red blood cells.
High AST levels indicate tissue damage somewhere. When measured with ALT, the pattern of elevation helps determine which tissue is damaged.
Liver Disease Assessment
AST rises with liver damage. AST/ALT ratio distinguishes disease types. AST higher than ALT suggests cirrhosis or advanced disease.
Heart Evaluation
Heart attacks elevate AST significantly. Helps rule out cardiac causes when evaluating chest pain.
Muscle Injury
Severe muscle damage or extreme exercise raises AST. Helps identify non-hepatic causes of AST elevation.
What Does This Test Detect?
Less specific than ALT; also elevated in cardiac and skeletal muscle damage
Why Your Doctor Orders This Test
The AST (SGOT - Serine Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) is commonly ordered to screen for, diagnose, or monitor medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend this test as part of routine health screening, to investigate symptoms, or to track your response to treatment.
Why Get an AST Test?
Diagnosing Liver Disease
AST is elevated in most liver conditions. Combined with ALT, AST helps doctors understand severity, type (viral, alcoholic, fatty), and stage of liver disease.
Detecting Acute Liver Injury
Acute hepatitis, drug toxicity, and cirrhosis cause dramatic AST elevations. AST testing can identify life-threatening liver damage requiring urgent treatment.
Evaluating Heart Damage
Heart attacks cause significant AST elevations. AST testing is part of cardiac workup for chest pain evaluation.
Monitoring Disease Progression
For patients with known liver disease, regular AST testing tracks disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
When Should You Get This Test?
Consider getting tested if you have these symptoms or risk factors
Symptoms to Watch For
- •Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- •Dark urine, pale stools
- •Abdominal pain or swelling
- •Fatigue or weakness
- •Easy bruising
- •Itching
- •Chest pain or pressure
- •Shortness of breath
Risk Factors
- •Hepatitis exposure or diagnosis
- •Heavy alcohol consumption
- •Obesity or metabolic syndrome
- •Chronic viral hepatitis
- •Autoimmune liver disease
- •Family history of liver disease
- •Cardiac concerns
Recommended Testing Frequency
Every 1-2 years as part of routine screening
Annually or as recommended
Every 3-6 months depending on stage
Daily initially, then at intervals during recovery
Normal Reference Ranges
These ranges are general guidelines. Your results should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your individual health status and medical history.
Important: Normal ranges may vary based on age, sex, and individual factors. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation of your results.
How to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these simple preparation guidelines for accurate results
Pre-Test Preparation
No fasting required
What to Do
- • Bring valid ID (Emirates ID, passport, or driver's license)
- • Wear comfortable, short-sleeved clothing
- • Stay hydrated (drink water before test)
- • Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in
- • List current medications and supplements
What to Avoid
- • Excessive caffeine immediately before
- • Strenuous exercise 24 hours before
- • Don't skip prescribed medications without consulting doctor
- • Avoid stress and anxiety before blood draw
Related Laboratory Tests
Tests often ordered together for comprehensive health assessment
ALT (SGPT - Serine Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase)
Liver enzyme; more specific for liver injury than AST
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Enzyme found in liver, bones, and bile ducts; indicates cholestasis or bone disease
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Enzyme found mainly in liver; more specific for liver disease than ALP
Total Bilirubin
Total bilirubin concentration; indicator of liver function and hemolysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the AST (SGOT - Serine Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) test
What's the Difference Between AST and ALT?
ALT is highly specific to liver; AST is in liver, heart, muscle, kidney. AST/ALT ratio >2 suggests cirrhosis. AST rises more in advanced liver disease.
Does Exercise Before Testing Increase AST?
Yes. Strenuous exercise can significantly raise AST for 24-48 hours. For most accurate baseline, avoid intense exercise day before test.
Can AST Be Elevated from Heart Problems?
Yes. Heart attacks cause dramatic AST elevation. Cardiac troponin testing helps distinguish cardiac from hepatic AST elevation.
What if My AST is Higher Than ALT?
Usually indicates more advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Can also indicate heart damage. Further testing needed for diagnosis.
Is AST Test Painful?
No. It's just a regular blood draw – small needle prick like a mosquito bite. No more uncomfortable than standard blood tests.
Can I Get AST Test at Home?
Yes! Home collection is available 24/7 across Dubai. Same accuracy and turnaround time as clinic. Book via smart assistant chatbot.
How Often Should I Get AST Tested?
Depends on situation. Healthy adults: every 1-2 years. With risk factors: annually. Known liver disease: every 3-6 months. Your doctor will recommend your schedule.
Can Medications Raise AST?
Yes. Statins, antibiotics, antifungals, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements can raise AST. Inform your doctor about all medications.
What if Both AST and ALT Are Normal?
Normal AST and ALT suggest liver is functioning normally and no acute liver disease. Cirrhosis can sometimes have normal enzyme levels in advanced stages.
Should I Avoid Alcohol Before AST Testing?
For most accurate results, avoid alcohol 24 hours before testing. Chronic heavy drinking raises AST significantly.
Recommended Test Packages
- AST
- ALT
- Cardiac Troponin
- CK-MB
- BNP