LiverReported in U/LAspartate aminotransferase (AST)
An enzyme in liver cells and in muscle. It rises with liver injury and with muscle injury, so the source has to be sorted out.
What it measures
AST is widespread: liver, heart, and skeletal muscle all contain it. A high AST on a liver panel is often liver, and sometimes it is yesterday’s workout. The adult interval here is about 13–39 U/L. Pairing it with ALT and with creatine kinase is how you tell the sources apart without guessing.
Why it is on the panel
AST completes the enzyme pair. The AST-to-ALT relationship is a classic clue to alcohol-related injury versus fatty liver. And because muscle raises AST, the test keeps the liver group honest when someone has been training hard.
How to read it
If AST and ALT are both high, the liver is the leading explanation. If AST is high and ALT is typical, check creatine kinase. A high CK means muscle is a live possibility, which is exactly why the visit prep asks you to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Alcohol-related patterns often show AST higher than ALT.
When it runs higher
Liver inflammation, alcohol, medicines, and muscle strain raise AST. A hard workout can push it up for several days with a normal ALT and a high CK. Hepatitis and toxin injury can push both AST and ALT into the hundreds or thousands.
When it runs lower
A low AST has little clinical meaning in a screening setting. Like ALT, the measured activity can be lower when B6 is deficient.
Before the draw
Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. Muscle work raises AST and can make a liver enzyme look abnormal.
Same group
Other Liver tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Aspartate aminotransferase
Aspartate aminotransferase is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.