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Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
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Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, or signs of potential liver problems like jaundice or abdominal pain. It helps detect liver damage from conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, and can also identify heart muscle damage from a heart attack. Many people use this test when they have abnormal liver function tests or risk factors for liver disease and want to understand what's happening with their health.
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw, and you don't need to fast. However, avoid excessive alcohol consumption for 24 hours before testing, as it can temporarily elevate AST levels and affect accuracy. Let the lab know about any medications or supplements you're taking, as some can influence results.
This test measures Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme found primarily in your liver and heart, with smaller amounts in muscles and other organs. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage from conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, and can also detect recent heart muscle injury such as a heart attack. When tissues containing AST are damaged or stressed, the enzyme is released into your bloodstream, making it a valuable marker for assessing liver and heart health.
What this means
Your AST levels are slightly elevated above the normal range. While this is a mild elevation, it may indicate some stress or minor damage to your liver, heart, or muscle tissues that warrants attention and lifestyle modifications.
Recommended actions
Limit or avoid alcohol consumption completely for several weeks
Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins
Avoid unnecessary medications or supplements that can stress the liver
Retest in 4-6 weeks to monitor trends and ensure levels are improving