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AST Test
Also known as: Aspartate aminotransferase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) Formally known as: Aspartate aminotransferase Related tests: ALT, ALP, bilirubin, liver function tests
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Common Questions
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1. What other tests are used to evaluate liver disorders?
2. Who is at risk for a liver disorder?
3. What signs should make me aware of a liver disorder?
1. What other tests are used to evaluate liver disorders?
Other commonly used liver tests include more enzymes found in liver cells, such as alanine transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin (a yellow pigment removed from the body by the liver).
2. Who is at risk for a liver disorder?
While many things could harm the liver, the major causes of liver disease are infection by viruses that target the liver and by drinking too much alcohol. In rare cases, some medicines can damage the liver; your doctor may suggest testing your liver from time to time if you are taking one of these. Some diseases that are inherited from your parents can occasionally damage the liver.
3. What signs should make me aware of a liver disorder?
In many cases, liver disease is 'silent'. When the liver is damaged rapidly (a disease called acute hepatitis), the skin and the whites of the eyes often turn yellow, the urine becomes brown, and bowel movements lose their colour. In its late stages, liver disease may produce swelling of the abdomen, vomiting of blood, confusion, and easy bruising.
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This page was last modified on
April 22, 2004.
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