Aspartate Aminotransferase

The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is a blood test that checks for liver damage. Your doctor might order this test to find out if you have liver disease and to monitor your treatment. Your liver is an organ that has many important jobs. It makes a fluid called bile that helps your body digest food. It also removes waste products and other toxins from your blood. It produces proteins, as well as substances that help your blood clot. Alcohol or drug use and diseases such as hepatitis can damage your liver and keep it from doing these jobs. AST is an enzyme your liver makes. Other organs, like your heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles, also make smaller amounts. AST is also called SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase).