It is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but also in muscles. When the liver is damaged, it releases AST into bloodstream. It is considered as a liver function test.
Interpretation:It is one of the liver function tests.Therefore, high levels may show liver damage due to a disease of the liver. These include heavy drinking, viral diseases, obesity, diabetes, some medicines and too much exercise. It is usually combined with ALT test which is also mostly located in the liver cells. ALT is a membrane enzyme where AST is located in the cytoplasm. Therefore, ALT is elevated earlier in case of liver cell damage for any reason. Very low values can be seen when the liver loses its ability to synthesize the enzyme, meaning a very serious damage of the liver cell.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: 2 hours
