Individual test · Labcorp 001123

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)

This test measures the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme found mostly in your liver, heart, and muscles. When cells in these tissues are damaged, they release AST into the bloodstream, making this test useful for detecting liver injury or muscle inflammation. It helps doctors evaluate liver health and screen for conditions like hepatitis or tissue damage caused by medications. However, because AST is found in multiple organs, an elevated level does not diagnose a specific disease on its own and is often compared with other test results.