Found in highly metabolic tissues (liver, brain, pancreas, kidneys, heart)....not very specific.....maker of hepatocyte (or other organ) damage...needs to be part of a picture
ALT and AST (liver enzymes....alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase
The Aspartate aminotransferase test measures levels of AST, an enzyme released into the blood when certain organs or tissues, particularly the liver and heart, are injured
A red-top tube is typically used for an Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, as it allows for serum collection and subsequent analysis.
AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, which is an enzyme. It is normal to have a low level of AST in the blood. AST levels become elevated when there is damage or disease to an organ.
Liver enzymes in blood tests are ALT/SGPT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST/SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase).
The amount of AST is directly related to the number of cells affected by a disease or injury
The determination of AST levels aids primarily in the diagnosis of liver disease
AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, which is an enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. Elevated levels of AST in a blood test can indicate liver damage or injury.
The acronym AST refers to Aspartate Aminotransferase. The level is normally low, and this is a good thing. Higher levels can indicate something wrong, such as tissue damage.
AST is determined by analysis of a blood sample, usually from taken from a venipuncture site at the bend of the elbow
Elevated levels of ALT and AST in a blood test suggest possible liver damage. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes released when the liver is injured. Further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
One of the most important uses for AST determination has formerly been in the diagnosis of a heart attack