ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST/SGOT)

Evaluating Liver Health & Tissue Damage

The SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase) test, widely known today as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is a blood test used to detect damage to your body's cells.

While often grouped with liver tests, AST is actually found in high concentrations in the Heart, Liver, and Muscles. Like its partner enzyme (SGPT/ALT), AST normally stays inside your cells. When those cells are injured—whether from a liver virus, a heart issue, or even an intense gym workout—the AST leaks into the bloodstream, raising your levels.

Why Do You Need This Test?

Doctors rarely order SGOT/AST alone. It is usually compared against other enzymes to act as a "diagnostic compass."

• Liver Disease Screening: To check for Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, or drug toxicity.
• Alcohol Abuse Monitoring: AST is particularly sensitive to alcohol-related damage. If your AST is double your ALT, it is a strong indicator of alcoholic liver disease.
• Muscle Damage: Unlike SGPT (which is mostly liver), High AST can indicate muscle injury, dystrophy, or trauma.
• Heart Health: Historically used to diagnose heart attacks (though Troponin is now preferred), it is still a useful marker for cardiac tissue stress.