Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Metabolism & organs
AST test
Aspartate aminotransferase. Liver and muscle enzyme; with ALT, evaluates liver injury patterns. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
AST is an enzyme, a type of protein, found in your liver, heart and muscles. When these tissues are hurt, it can leak into your blood, so it’s usually read together with ALT, a more liver-specific enzyme.
Why it matters for women
Read alongside ALT, AST can help show whether a rise comes from the liver or from muscle, such as after a hard workout. In late pregnancy, rising liver enzymes can be one sign of HELLP syndrome, a rare complication that affects the liver and blood, so they’re watched closely when blood pressure runs high.
You might check it if…
- a past liver test came back high
- you live with PCOS or diabetes, which raise fatty liver risk
- you drink alcohol regularly or take medicines that affect the liver
What your result may mean
High AST: what it may mean
High AST may come from the liver, but it can be less liver-specific than ALT. Significant rises can happen with muscle injury, red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis) or heart events, as well as hepatitis, so a hard workout or a difficult blood draw can sway it. Comparing it with ALT can help a clinician tell where the rise may come from. In late pregnancy, rising liver enzymes can be one sign of HELLP syndrome, a rare complication that may come with high blood pressure. Sore muscles, tiredness or belly pain can come with a high result, while others may feel fine.
Low AST: what it may mean
Low AST may be harmless and not clinically meaningful. Healthy people can have small amounts in their blood, because this enzyme can stay inside liver, heart and muscle cells until they're hurt. Low vitamin B6 or long-term kidney dialysis can sometimes push readings down. A low value may not cause any symptoms, and it can't rule out liver trouble on its own, so a clinician may read it beside your ALT and other liver tests.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.