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AST is an enzyme found mainly in your liver. A low level is usually considered normal. A high level can point to damage to your liver or to other cells that contain AST.[1]
On this page you can read what AST is, what the guidelines say about a level that is too low or too high, what affects your level and which values are best to look at alongside it.
Also known as: AST, aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, SGOT. At the lab: GOT.
AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase. It is an enzyme: a protein that makes certain chemical reactions in your body happen faster.[1]
AST is found mainly in your liver, but also in your heart, your muscles and other tissue. When those cells are damaged, they release AST into your blood. This can make your level rise.[1]
A doctor sometimes requests AST on its own. More often, the value is part of a group of liver tests.[1]
AST is often part of a routine blood test to see how your liver is doing. The test can help to detect or monitor problems with the liver. The value can also help with other conditions.[1]
A doctor may request the test if you have symptoms that could fit with damage to the liver. Think of nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, tiredness, weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, swelling or pain in your belly, swollen ankles and legs, dark urine, pale stools and frequent itching.[1]
A doctor may also have AST measured when you have no symptoms. For example, if liver disease runs in your family, if you have problems with alcohol, if you are severely overweight, if you have inflammation of the liver or have been exposed to it, or if you take medicines that can damage the liver.[1]
During care for a liver problem, AST can show how a value is changing over time.[1]
Labplusarts, the lab BioProfile works with, uses a reference value of 0 to 35 u/l for AST (GOT). The lab calls a value between those limits normal.[2]
| Value | What it can mean | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 35 u/l[2] | Normal according to the lab | The lab does not name a separate group |
Source: Labplusarts, reference value for AST (GOT), with no distinction by group.[2]
A low amount of AST in your blood is usually considered normal. There is usually only a little AST in your blood.[1]
A high level can point to liver disease or other problems with the liver. Inflammation of the liver or of the pancreas, scarring in the liver, a procedure on the heart or a heart condition, too much iron in your body, deep burns, seizures, surgery and substances that are toxic to the liver, especially alcohol, can also raise AST. A value outside the normal range does not always mean there is something that needs care. Discuss your result with a doctor.[1]
BioProfile is working on its own zones for each value, from risk to optimal. A doctor reviews those zones before they appear in your result.
Exercise can affect your result. The same applies if you are pregnant.[1]
Some medicines can affect your result, and some can damage the liver. Substances that are toxic to the liver, especially alcohol, can raise AST. Tell your healthcare provider what you take, but don't stop any medicine on your own.[1]
Your age and your sex can also affect your result.[1]
AST is found not only in your liver, but also in your heart and your muscles. If those cells are damaged, your level can rise too.[1]
AST is included in BioProfile 77, 87, 121 and 150.[3]
The BioProfile editorial team wrote this page on 10 October 2026 from the sources below, which we read on 10 October 2026. Every number on this page appears in one of those sources, with that source's number next to it. An expert has yet to check this page; after that check, the expert's name and the date of the check will appear at the top. This page offers explanation, not a diagnosis. Discuss a value outside the range with your GP.
