AST Test
Also known as: Aspartate aminotransferase; serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)
Formal name: Aspartate aminotransferase
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
AST is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in other muscles. When heart, liver or muscle cells are injured, they release AST into the blood.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
If you don't know what a word or a medical term means, try the
Mondofacto Online Medical Dictionary
.
