Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Taking medicines. Talk with your doctor about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. You may be instructed to stop taking your medicines for several days before the test.
• Taking large doses of vitamin A.
• Taking some herbs and natural products, such as echinacea and valerian.
• Strenuous exercise, injury to a muscle, or injections into a muscle.
• Recent cardiac catheterization or surgery.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: January 2, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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