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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > AST: Results and Values
      Category : Health Centers > Digestive System

AST

Alternate Names : Aspartate Aminotransferase, Aspartate Transaminase, Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, SGOT

AST | Preparation & Expectations | Results and Values | Attribution


What do the test results mean?

Normally, the levels of AST in the blood range from 10 to 34 international units per liter (IU/L).

Greater than normal levels of AST may indicate:

  • acute hemolytic anemia, which is the breakdown of red blood cells by the body's own defense system.
  • acute pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.
  • acute renal failure, or loss of kidney function.
  • cirrhosis of the liver, which is scarring and loss of liver function.
  • death of liver tissue, called liver necrosis.
  • hepatitis, or liver inflammation.
  • infectious mononucleosis, known as the "kissing disease." This disease is an infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
  • cancer of the liver.
  • multiple trauma, or injuries to several organ systems.
  • heart attack.
  • primary muscle disease, which are various disorders affecting the muscles.
  • progressive muscular dystrophy, which is an inherited, progressive muscle weakness.
  • recent cardiac catheterization, a test to see the heart's arteries, or angioplasty, a procedure to relieve narrowing in heart's arteries.
  • recent convulsions or seizure disorder.
  • recent surgery.
  • severe burns.
  • muscle injury.

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    AST: Preparation & Expectations

     

    AST: Attribution

    Author: David T. Moran, MD
    Reviewer: William M. Boggs, MD
    Date Reviewed: 02/24/00









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006