For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. So the concerned expert physician can best analyze the problem that caused the high AST levels. The normal range of AST may vary according to age, gender, medical history, diet or other medical conditions. The resulting fat droplets disperse in water. Persons who might have been exposed to hepatitis viruses, Persons who have a history of liver disease in their family, Persons taking drugs that can damage the liver, Persons who are overweight and/or have diabetes, Tests for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, Testing for exposure to drugs and other substances toxic to the liver (see Drug Abuse Testing and Emergency and Overdose Drug Testing), Copper and ceruloplasmin for Wilson disease, Iron tests and genetic tests for hereditary hemochromatosis. Usually, the AST levels in the bloodstream are low. Indications. Such moderate increases may also be seen in other diseases of the liver, especially when the bile ducts are blocked, or with cirrhosis or certain cancers of the liver. The liver plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism by helping maintain concentration of blood glucose within the normal range. AST:ALT ratio. The blood is tested and the results are sent to the doctor for further analysis. Here are a few ways for maintaining a healthy liver and thereby achieving normal AST levels; AST blood test results are usually only one measure of the biggest picture one may need further tests to know your medical history and the current health condition. Although the normal range of AST and ALT level varies among laboratories and countries, the ratio of AST:ALT is key when it comes to diagnosing liver diseases. It secretes bile into the intestines to help absorb nutrients (especially fats). Bile salts affect fat globules (clumped molecules of fats) much like a soap or detergent would affect them. At times the AST test results can be lower than the normal range and that is also considered as a normal condition. The reddish-brown liver is well supplied with blood vessels. It makes most of the clotting factors that keep you from bleeding too much when you are cut or injured. This result is typical for adult men. This is true of both prescription drugs and some “natural” health products. This test is prescribed by your doctor to know if you have any liver disease and to further diagnose other conditions of it. Sometimes the AST test result may show the values lower and it has been noticed that no medical concerns are associated with that which means that there is no health problem. However, this test is ordered to be done if the person shows any symptoms of a liver problem. Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. Polymerizes glucose to glycogen; breaks down glycogen to glucose; converts noncarbohydrates to glucose, Oxidizes fatty acids; synthesizes lipoproteins, phospholipids, and cholesterol; converts excess portions of carbohydrate molecules into fats, Deaminates amino acids; forms urea; synthesizes plasma proteins; converts certain amino acids into other amino acids, Stores glycogen, iron, and vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12, Removes damaged red blood cells and foreign substances by phagocytosis. For example, if your AST is 20 U/L and your ALT is 18 U/L, then your ALT ratio would be 1.05, which is within the normal range. Mild to moderate increases may be seen with vigorous exercise and skeletal muscle injury or in conditions such as acute pancreatitis and heart attacks. An abnormal test result does not necessarily mean that you have a problem, it may also depend on the laboratory and other factors. The AST/ALT ratio is typically > 1 in alcoholic liver disease and AST/ALT < 1 in non-alcoholic liver disease. The liver also removes toxic substances such as alcohol and certain drugs from blood (detoxification). AST at times can be done as a part of a routine health examination. The normal range of values for AST (SGOT) is about 5 to 40 units per liter of serum (the liquid part of the blood). This is a sign of liver damage; however, it may also mean damage to some other organs like heart or kidneys. Pregnancy, a shot or injection of medicine into muscle tissue, or even strenuous exercise may increase AST levels. Abnormal or high values of the AST blood test may be due to any reason like hepatitis, mononucleosis, cirrhosis, or any other liver diseases. The liver carries on many important metabolic activities. AST may be ordered as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel when someone has a routine health examination. Monitor liver toxic medications; Description. Normal AST Levels. Hemolysis during collection or refrigeration of unseparated blood may cause an artefactual increase in AST. AST levels are often compared with results of other tests such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and bilirubin to help determine which form of liver disease is present. Normal results vary from laboratory to laboratory and might be slightly different for women and children. The high end of the reference range is referred to as the upper limit of normal (ULN). If in case, along with the AST test is ordered with some other tests then you may have to fast for several hours before the test. The normal range for the ALT blood test is usually reported between 5-55 units per liter. Bile salts aid digestive enzymes. It is also to be kept in mind that a higher level of these liver enzymes doesn’t necessarily be liver disease.