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    Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

    Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)



    What To Think About
    • The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is more effective than the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test for detecting liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. The AST to ALT ratio may sometimes help determine if liver damage is related to alcohol dependence. For more information, see the topic Reference Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT).
    • Many different conditions can raise AST blood levels, so other testing is usually needed to interpret an abnormal AST result.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference November 4, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology


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