What it means
When liver, heart or muscle cells are damaged, they release this enzyme into the blood, so its level rises. It is usually read together with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is more specific to the liver. Doctors use the two to check for liver injury, for example from hepatitis, alcohol or drugs such as acetaminophen.
For the nurse
Report a rising level, and check the client's drug list for drugs that can harm the liver.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 10–40 units/L [0.17–0.67 µkat/L]; each lab sets its own range. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | AST (in surgical settings AST also means the Association of Surgical Technologists); SGOT (older name) |
| Also written | SGOT |
Related terms
hepatomegaly
An enlarged liver.
alanine aminotransferase
An enzyme found mostly in the liver, measured in the blood as a test of liver cell health.