What does sgot mean in blood work

AST is one of the enzymes that help the liver convert food into energy. High levels of these enzymes can be a sign that the liver is injured or irritated, and the enzymes are leaking out of the liver cells. An AST test may be done if a child has signs of a possible liver problem, such as jaundice yellowish skin or eyes , dark urine, nausea, vomiting , or belly pain.

It also might be done if a child is on medicine that makes high liver enzyme levels more likely. Your child may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8 to 12 hours before the AST test. Tell your doctor about any medicines your child takes because some drugs might affect the test results. Wearing a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt for the test can make things easier for your child, and you also can bring along a toy or book as a distraction. Most blood tests take a small amount of blood from a vein.

To do that, a health professional will:. In babies, blood draws are sometimes done as a "heel stick collection. Collecting a sample of blood is only temporarily uncomfortable and can feel like a quick pinprick.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. High levels of AST in the blood may indicate hepatitis , cirrhosis , mononucleosis , or other liver diseases.

High AST levels can also indicate heart problems or pancreatitis. If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition needing treatment.

A variety of factors that can affect your results. These include your age, gender, diet, and types of medicines you take.

To learn what your results mean, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, which is another type of liver enzyme. You may also have an AST test part of a series of liver function tests. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

AST Test. What is an AST test? What is it used for? Where can I get tested? Must I answer personal questions? Is there counseling? How long after exposure does it take to test positive? Can test results be wrong? What should I do if I test positive? What should I do if I test negative?

Understanding Lab Tests: Entire Lesson.