AST is released into the bloodstream when cells that contain it — most notably liver and muscle cells — are injured. While elevated AST often points to liver disease, it can also rise with cardiac events, muscle damage (including strenuous exercise), and hemolysis.
This test is part of standard liver panels and is interpreted alongside ALT for greater specificity. An AST-to-ALT ratio greater than 2:1, especially with elevated GGT, suggests alcohol-related liver injury; a ratio of less than 1 is more typical of viral or fatty liver disease. AST is also used to monitor medications that may affect the liver. Sample type is serum.
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