How reports print it
ASTАСТАсАТASATГОТGOTSGOTАспартатаминотрансферазаAspartate aminotransferase
What it shows
An enzyme of liver, heart and muscle cells.
Units and conversion
Base unit: U/L.
- 1 µkat/L = 60 U/L · 1 U/L = 0.01667 µkat/L
Enzyme activity depends on the method and the measuring temperature, so it is not converted between methods. Converting 1 µkat/L = 60 U/L only changes the unit.
Typical ranges
Your laboratory’s range comes first — it is printed on the report next to the result. Below is one laboratory’s adult range with its method: a reference, not a rule.
| Who | Range, U/L |
|---|---|
| Men | < 40 |
| Women | < 32 |
Range source: Лаборатория Хеликс — Аспартатаминотрансфераза (АСТ)
Good to know
Enzyme activity depends on the method, so compare results from one laboratory.
Why it can be higher
Common reasons discussed with a doctor. This is not a diagnosis.
- Liver conditions
- Alcohol
- Intense exercise and muscle injury
- Some medicines
Why it can be lower
- A low AST activity usually means nothing by itself
What to ask a doctor
- How does AST fit with ALT?
- Can training the day before affect the result?
Whom to see
A GP or internist.