Description
Purpose of the Test:
• Assess liver health and function
• Detect liver damage or liver disease such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease
• Monitor liver disease progression or the effectiveness of treatment for liver-related conditions
• Help diagnose heart attacks (as AST is also found in the heart)
• Evaluate muscle damage or injury, as elevated AST levels can occur with muscle-related issues
• Monitor side effects of medications that may affect liver or muscle function, such as statins or antibiotics
What the Test Involves:
• A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm
• The sample is analyzed to determine the concentration of AST in the blood
• Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage, but AST is also present in the heart, muscles, and kidneys, so the test is often used in conjunction with other tests (such as ALT or bilirubin) to determine the specific cause of the elevated levels
• The test result is compared to the normal range, with higher levels suggesting tissue damage or inflammation


