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AST

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Aspartate transferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, muscles and many other tissues.

Why it matters: When cells are damaged, AST can leak into the bloodstream, so a high level can be a sign of an underlying condition.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
< 34.0U/L
34NormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Alcohol-induced liver injury
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Heart attack
Muscle disease
Pancreatitis
Hemochromatosis
Intense exercise
Associated Conditions
Alcohol-induced liver injury, which a high level may indicateHepatitis, or liver inflammation, which a high level may indicateCirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which a high level may indicateLiver tumour or liver cancer, which a high level may indicateLiver ischaemia, where too little blood flow leads to death of liver tissue, which a high level may indicateHaemochromatosis, or too much iron in the body, which a high level may indicate outside the liverHeart attack, which a high level may indicate outside the liverMononucleosis, which a high level may indicate outside the liverMuscle disease, which a high level may indicate outside the liverPancreatitis, which a high level may indicate outside the liver
Related Markers
ALTGGTCreatine Kinase
Common questions

What is AST?

Aspartate transferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, muscles and many other tissues.

What might a high or low AST mean?

When cells are damaged, AST can leak into the bloodstream, so a high level can be a sign of an underlying condition.

What is the typical reference range for AST?

The general-population reference range shown here is < 34 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect AST?

It may be higher with: Alcohol-induced liver injury, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Heart attack, Muscle disease, Pancreatitis, Hemochromatosis, Intense exercise.

More in Liver
AlbuminAlkaline PhosphataseALTBilirubin (Direct)Bilirubin (Indirect)Bilirubin (Total)GGTLDH

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