How are AST levels different from ALT levels?
AST is a protein made by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of AST in the blood becomes higher than normal. AST is different from ALT because AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver–including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain.
What does a high value of the AST mean?
A high value of the AST test is when the units per liter of serum value are higher than the normal range. This is a sign of liver damage; however, it may also mean damage to some other organs like heart or kidneys. It is also to be kept in mind that a higher level of these liver enzymes doesn’t necessarily be liver disease.
What is the normal range for the AST blood test?
Usually, the AST levels in the bloodstream are low. The normal values range of the AST blood test in males is 10 to 40 units per Liter of Serum and in females, it is 9 to 32 units per Liter of Serum.
What does the AST level of Hep C tell you?
The exact AST level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, or whether the liver is getting better or worse, and small changes should be expected. However, for patients receiving treatment for hepatitis C, it is helpful to see if the AST level goes down. The AST level is not as helpful as the ALT level for checking the liver.
What does AST stand for in blood test?
AST Blood Test- High, Low, And Normal Range. AST or Aspartate Aminotransferase is a type of enzyme usually found in red blood cells, heart, pancreas, muscle tissues but is mostly made in the liver. AST was earlier called as Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase or simply SGOT. AST blood test is done to measure AST.
What’s the normal AST for a liver test?
AST liver test. AST blood test normal range: Normal AST is less than 42U/L [units per liter] (range 8 to 48 U/L). This result is typical for adult men. Normal results vary from laboratory to laboratory and might be slightly different for women and children.