Aspartate Aminotransferase (Sgot ) Test

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.

There are no as such preparations for this test. You need to go empty stomach and the lab technician will take your blood sample in a tube. Do wear sleeveless or short sleeves T-Shirt as it will be easy for the professional to collect the blood.

This test is required if the person is facing the following issue:-
Yellow skin or eyes are known as jaundice
Tiredness
Weakness
Swollen belly
Stomach pain
Appetite loss
Itchy skin
Dark-colored urine

Light-colored poop
Swelling in your legs and ankles
Bruises
Some doctors might suggest this test if you are suffering from:-
Hepatitis virus.
Drink a lot of alcohol.
Intake medicine that's known to damage the liver.
Have a family history of liver disease.
You are obese.
Have diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The procedure to collect the blood is quite simple. The technician will tie an elastic band at your arm. This way veins will swell and blood will pump out. The technician will clean the area with antiseptic and then make a prick. The blood will be collected in a tube and the elastic band will be removed. After that, the needle will be taken out. The technician will put Band-Aid on it so that blood does not come.