GOT (AST)

Price: 5 د.ا

Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase—also called Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or GOT)—is an enzyme pivotal to amino-acid metabolism and the urea cycle. Although most abundant in the liver, AST is also present in the heart, skeletal muscles, and kidneys.

Why Measure AST (GOT)?

• Liver Health: Elevated AST often signals hepatocellular injury (hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxin-induced damage).
• Cardiac & Muscle Injury: AST rises after myocardial infarction or vigorous exercise–related muscle breakdown.
• Broad Tissue Marker: Because AST is found in multiple organs, interpretation always considers clinical context and other enzymes (e.g., ALT, CK).

Normal vs. Abnormal Ranges

Typical reference: 8–48 U/L (lab-dependent)

• Mild Elevation (49–150 U/L): May reflect transient stress (e.g., recent workout) or early liver insult.
• Moderate Elevation (151–300 U/L): Suggests ongoing tissue injury—viral hepatitis, alcohol toxicity, or muscle disease.
• Severe Elevation (>300 U/L): Indicates acute, significant damage (e.g., heart attack, fulminant hepatitis).

Symptoms & Clinical Implications

AST Level Change	Common Causes	Possible Symptoms
High AST	Hepatitis, cirrhosis, MI, myositis	Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, RUQ pain, muscle weakness
Low AST	Rare; possible B₆ deficiency or genetic enzyme deficiency	Generally asymptomatic; may see metabolic imbalance or mild muscle cramps

Test Procedure & Preparation

1. Sample: Single blood draw—no special fasting required unless combined with other tests.
2. Analysis: Automated enzymatic assay; results in 24–48 hours.

Optimizing AST Levels

• Balanced Nutrition: Adequate protein, B-vitamins (especially B₆), antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
• Limit Toxins: Minimize alcohol and avoid unnecessary hepatotoxic drugs.
• Regular Exercise: Moderate activity supports muscle and liver health; avoid sudden extreme workouts before testing.
• Manage Comorbidities: Control viral hepatitis, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular risk factors.

FAQs

1. What causes elevated AST besides liver disease?
   • Heart attacks, muscle trauma, strenuous exercise, pancreatitis, and certain medications.
2. Can low AST be harmful?
   • Rarely; may indicate vitamin B₆ deficiency or less active metabolic turnover, but usually not clinically significant.
3. How do I reduce high AST?
   • Treat the underlying condition, adopt liver-friendly habits (no alcohol, healthy diet), and monitor through follow-up tests.
4. Does exercise skew AST results?
   • Yes—intense workouts can cause temporary AST spikes due to muscle cell turnover.
5. Is fasting required before testing?
   • Generally no, though follow your provider’s instructions if other panels are ordered concurrently.

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ primary duty is the patients, placing their welfare above their own needs and desires thus ensuring that each patient receives the best service and the highest quality of care according to current standards of practice. High quality laboratory services are safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. Medical Laboratory Professionals work with all patients and samples without regard to disease state, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Medical Laboratory Professionals prevent and avoid conflicts of interest that undermine the best interests of patients. Learn More