🫀 Liver Function

AST: What It Means for Your Health

AST (aspartate aminotransferase, formerly SGOT) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. Unlike ALT, AST is not specific to the liver — it also rises with heart or muscle damage. The AST/ALT ratio (De Ritis ratio) helps differentiate causes: a ratio above 2 suggests alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio below 1 suggests non-alcoholic causes.

Full Name
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
Normal Range
0–40 U/L
Also Known As
SGOT, Aspartate Aminotransferase, AST (SGOT)

Reference Range

LowNormal: 0–40 U/LHigh

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.

What Is AST?

AST (aspartate aminotransferase, formerly SGOT) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. Unlike ALT, AST is not specific to the liver — it also rises with heart or muscle damage. The AST/ALT ratio (De Ritis ratio) helps differentiate causes: a ratio above 2 suggests alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio below 1 suggests non-alcoholic causes.

Commonly included in:

Liver Function PanelHepatic PanelComprehensive Metabolic Panel

What Does High AST Mean?

Above 40 U/L

Elevated AST can indicate liver damage (hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, alcohol use), muscle damage (intense exercise, rhabdomyolysis), heart damage (myocardial infarction), hemolysis, or thyroid disorders. The AST/ALT ratio helps determine the cause: alcoholic liver disease typically shows AST 2-3 times higher than ALT.

What Does Low AST Mean?

Below 0 U/L

Low AST is generally not clinically significant. Like ALT, very low levels may be associated with vitamin B6 deficiency.

Related Biomarkers in Liver Function

ALT
Liver enzyme primarily found in liver cells — the most specific marker of liver damage.
Range: 0–41 U/L
GGT
Liver enzyme particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption and bile duct obstruction.
Range: 0–55 U/L
ALP
Enzyme found in liver, bone, kidneys, and intestines.
Range: 44–147 U/L
Total Bilirubin
Yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver.
Range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL
Albumin
Most abundant blood protein, made by the liver, essential for fluid balance.
Range: 3.5–5.5 g/dL

Track Your AST Over Time

Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your AST levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.