AST (SGOT): price and preparation | IntroLab Belgrade

AST (SGOT)

Price190 RSD
Result in4h
SampleCitrated Plasma

Published: Updated:

IntroLab, laboratory in Belgrade, provides exceptional AST (SGOT) testing services. The AST test is priced affordably, ensuring accessibility for all, as it plays an integral role in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver health.

What is AST (SGOT)?

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), also known as SGOT (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase), is an enzyme present in various body parts, including the liver, heart, and muscles. Increased AST levels in the blood may signal liver damage or disease and can also indicate problems in other organs.

Indications for AST Analysis

Your healthcare provider may recommend an AST (SGOT) test if you have symptoms indicative of liver issues, such as jaundice, fatigue, appetite loss, or upper abdominal pain. The test may also be advised if you are on medications that could impact liver health, or as a routine evaluation for those with chronic liver diseases.

Procedure

The AST (SGOT) test at IntroLab is a simple and fast procedure. It does not require any special preparation, though it is advisable to have blood drawn on an empty stomach. Biochemical blood analysis results are usually available on the same day, enabling quick access to information about your health status.

Interpreting AST test results

AST (SGOT) biochemical analysis results should be interpreted considering your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory tests. Normal AST (SGOT) levels may vary depending on several factors but are typically between 10 and 40 units per liter of serum (U/L).

  • Normal Results: Normal range values usually indicate no signs of liver or other organ damage.
  • Elevated Levels: Increased levels of AST can suggest a problem. This could be due to liver damage from conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or medication toxicity, or from damage to other organs such as the heart or muscles.
  • Very High Levels: Extremely elevated AST levels, often more than ten times the normal range, usually indicate an acute condition, such as acute hepatitis or severe liver damage.

Note that elevated AST levels are not specific to any one condition and warrant further diagnostic tests. Also, low AST levels are typically not a concern and are rarely of clinical significance.

Sample and preparation: AST (SGOT)

Sample
Citrated Plasma (Venous Blood)
Sampling
Venipuncture
Result in
4h
Preparation
No special preparation is required. However, it is recommended to avoid taking the sample immediately after a meal.
Category
Biochemistry

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for an AST test?

No special preparation is needed for the AST (SGOT) test, but it is not recommended to have blood drawn right after a meal. It is therefore best to come to IntroLab laboratory before breakfast or between meals. The test is done on serum from venous blood, and the result is ready in 4 hours, so you usually get it the same day.

How much do AST and ALT tests cost?

The AST (SGOT) test at IntroLab laboratory costs 190 RSD, and the ALT (SGPT) test has the same price, so both transaminases together cost 380 RSD. The AST result is ready in 4 hours. Doctors often order them together for symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite or upper abdominal pain, as well as when a patient takes medications that can damage the liver.

What does high AST in the blood mean?

High AST means that more of this enzyme from the liver, heart or muscles has entered the blood, which may indicate damage to these tissues. Common causes are liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, and drug toxicity, but also heart or muscle damage. Elevated AST is not specific to one condition and requires further diagnostics, so the IntroLab laboratory result should always be interpreted by a doctor.

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