SGOT (AST)

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is found in high concentrations in Liver, Heart, Skeletal muscle, and kidney. AST is present in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells. In cases involving mild tissue injury, the predominant form of AST is that from the cytoplasm. Severe tissue damage results in more of the mitochondrial enzyme being released. High levels of AST can be found in cases such as myocardial infarction, acute liver cell damage, viral hepatitis, and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. Slight to moderate elevation of AST is seen in muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, and crushed muscle injuries.

• S.G.O.T. / AST: It helps to measure the levels of the aspartate aminotransferase. Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that is found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated levels of this enzyme indicate liver tissue damage, inflammation, or disease. This may also indicate diseases with other organs. 

The AST Test is advised for following analysis:

• Screening: If you are suffering from obesity, diabetes, habit of heavy alcohol consumption, or have a family history of liver disease, your doctor may advise you on an AST screening. AST levels can be tested during regular medical examinations along with complete LFT.
• Diagnosis: This test may also be advised after symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, swelling, unexplained weight loss, itching, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms associated with liver problems have appeared.
• Monitoring: After the diagnosis of a liver disease, AST test is often advised to monitor the course of the disease and the efficacy of therapy over an extended period, ensuring appropriate management when required.
• Assessing the Effect of Medical Conditions and Treatments: AST test helps to evaluate how different medical conditions and treatments, like chemotherapy or other medication, affect AST levels, ensuring the best possible liver care and overall treatment efficacy.

If you have following symptoms, then AST Test is advised:

• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itching
• Dark urine
• Pale stool
• Unusual tiredness
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual bruising easily

If your results are abnormal, you will likely be advised to go for further testing as an ASTtest cannot firmly diagnose a particular condition. Your doctor can help you interpret your results. Normal values for the particular test are typically displayed along with your numbers. Following are the normal values of AST levels:

• Aspartate transaminase (AST): 0 to 35 IU/L

Elevated AST can indicate several health issues, such as liver disorders like cirrhosis or hepatitis. In order to ascertain the reason behind an unusual outcome, your doctor can take into account the elevated level of AST and its correlation with other liver enzyme values.
Elevations in AST over time that are small but persistent can be associated with chronic diseases, whereas very high levels of AST generally indicate liver injury that has occurred lately. However, AST can be raised in the blood as a result of cell damage outside of the liver because it is present in other body tissues also.

• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the AST test. 
• Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to an AST test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
• Drink adequate water before sample collection.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
• Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.

The Blood Sample for AST test is taken in following steps:

• The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
• A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
• A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
• Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
• Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.

• Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
• Go to the “Book a test” tab.
• Select the “Lab Test” tab.
• Type “S.G.O.T (AST) Test” in the search bar.
• Click on the test.
• The test page with all the test details will show up.
• Click on “Book Now”.
• Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
• Now enter your details. 
• Select date & time for booking S.G.O.T (AST) Test in Jaipur. 
• Check out.

The Price of a S.G.O.T (AST) Test is Rs.150. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with AST test
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient