The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is a blood test that checks in the human body for liver damage. This test is ordered to see if there is any liver disease and if there than it is done to see that the right treatment is given. AST is an enzyme which liver makes. Other organs, like heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles, also make same but in small amounts. AST is also known as SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase). Usually, the level of AST in blood is low. When the liver gets damaged it puts more AST into the blood, and its level rises. A high AST level is a symbol of liver damage, but it can also mean you have harm to other organs that make it, like the heart and kidneys. That's why doctors often do the AST test along with tests of other liver enzymes.
