AST

Also written as: Aspartate aminotransferase, SGOT

An enzyme found in the liver but also in muscle and heart.

What it measures

The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase. Unlike ALT it is found in several tissues, including muscle and heart as well as liver, so it is less specific to the liver.

Why a doctor orders it

Ordered alongside ALT. The ratio between the two carries information that neither value carries alone.

What is generally associated with a higher result

Broadly associated with the same liver causes as ALT, and additionally with muscle injury, including from intense exercise, and with some heart conditions.

What is generally associated with a lower result

Low values are common and generally not pursued.

Everyday things that move this number

Not every shift in a value reflects disease. These are ordinary factors known to affect this particular measurement:

Strenuous exercise, which can raise it substantially through muscle
Alcohol
Muscle injury of any kind

Questions to take to your appointment

What is my AST to ALT ratio, and does it suggest anything?

Build a printable questionnaire with your own results →

Where to read more

MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, publishes patient-facing pages on individual lab tests and is a reliable next stop: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests .

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