AST

Background

• Aspartate aminotransferase; found in liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and red blood cells
• Less specific for liver injury than ALT

Normal Values

• Normal: 10-40 U/L

Interpretation

• AST:ALT ratio >2:1 suggests alcoholic liver disease
• AST:ALT ratio <1 is more typical of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or viral hepatitis
• AST >1000 U/L: acute viral hepatitis, ischemic hepatitis (shock liver), acetaminophen toxicity, acute biliary obstruction
• Elevated AST without elevated ALT: myocardial injury, rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis (non-hepatic sources)

See Also

• ALT
• Liver function tests
• Hepatitis
• Acetaminophen toxicity