AST or SGOT Blood Test

What Is AST or SGOT?

AST, which is short for aspartate aminotransferase, is a kind of protein called an enzyme. It helps the liver change food into energy.  AST used to be known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT, so you might hear AST be called SGOT.

What Is the AST Blood Test and Why Is It Done?

An AST blood test (or SOGT test) checks the level of AST in blood. Doctors might order an AST blood test if a child has signs of a possible liver problem, like jaundice (yellowish skin or whites of the eyes), dark pee, nausea, vomiting, or belly pain.

They might also do the test if a child is taking medicine or has a medical problem that might affect the liver.

Top Things to Know

• The AST test measures the amount of AST in blood to check for liver trouble.
• Before the test, kids may have to stop taking some medicines or avoid eating and drinking.
• Your doctor can tell you what it means if your child’s AST levels are higher than normal.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test.

If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and calm can help.

What Do AST Test Results Mean?

Your doctor will explain what the results of the AST test mean for your child. What’s “normal” varies based on things like age and gender.

High AST levels can be a sign that the liver is injured or irritated, and AST is leaking out of the liver cells. 

What Else Should I Know?

When kids have an AST blood test, they’ll likely have an ALT test too, which checks the level of another liver enzyme called ALT (alanine aminotransferase or alanine transaminase). Sometimes an ALT test is called an SGPT (or serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) test. The levels of one enzyme might be higher than the other in certain conditions.

If you have questions about the AST test, or what the results mean, speak with your doctor.