c
c


   
 
 Diseases that affect liver cells increase the levels of



 AST. However, increased levels of AST alone do not
specifically indicate liver disease.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in
high amounts in heart muscle and liver and skeletal An increase in AST levels may indicate:
muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other
tissues.
Acute hemolytic anemia

Acute pancreatitis
This article discusses the test to measure the amount of
Acute renal failure
AST in the blood.
Cirrhosis

Heart attack




Hepatitis
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the
Hereditary hemochromatosis
inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is
Infectious mononucleosis
cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The
Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
health care provider wraps an elastic band around the
Liver necrosis
upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the
Liver tumor
vein swell with blood.
Multiple trauma

Primary muscle disease
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle
Progressive muscular dystrophy
into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or
Recent cardiac catheterization or angioplasty
tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed
Recent convulsion
from your arm.
Recent surgery

Severe deep burn
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is

Skeletal muscle trauma
removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any

Use of drugs that are poisonous to the liver
bleeding.
#
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet
may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The Other risks associated with having blood drawn are
blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or slight but may include:
onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over
the area if there is any bleeding.
Excessive bleeding

Fainting or feeling light-headed


  
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is
feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or broken)
stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some


throbbing.
AST levels may rise during pregnancy and after


 exercise.
This test is mainly done along with other tests (such
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
as ALT, ALP, and bilirubin) to diagnose and monitor liver
disease. c c 

$


 
 

  


The normal range is 10 to 34 IU/L. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the
highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in
Note: IU/L = international units per liter release of the substance into the blood.


!  
"
This article discusses the test to measure the amount of
Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune)
ALT in the blood.
Hereditary hemochromatosis

Infectious mononucleosis




Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the
Liver disease
inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is
Liver tumor
cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The
Use of drugs that are poisonous to the liver
health care provider wraps an elastic band around the
upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the #
vein swell with blood. There is very little risk involved with having your blood
taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle another and from one side of the body to the other.
into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or Taking blood from some people may be more difficult
tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed than from others.
from your arm.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is slight but may include:
removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any
bleeding.
Excessive bleeding

Fainting or feeling light-headed
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet

Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The

Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is
blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or
broken)
onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over
the area if there is any bleeding. 


  

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people

feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or
stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some
throbbing.





This test is used to determine if a patient has liver

damage.

  


Normal range can vary according to a number of factors,

including age and gender. Normal value ranges may
also vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to
your doctor about the meaning of your specific test
results.


!  
"

An increase in ALT levels may be due to:

Acute pancreatitis

Celiac disease

Cirrhosis

Death of liver tissue (liver necrosis)