AST blood test

An Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) blood test measures the amount of AST enzyme in the blood. AST or Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transminase (SGOT) is found in high concentrations in heart muscle, liver cells, skeletal muscle cells, pancreas and kidneys, in red blood cells and to a lesser degree in other tissues. Usually an AST blood test is done at the same time as ALT blood test. The ratio of AST blood levels to ALT blood levels helps to determine whether any organ particularly the liver has been damaged. AST blood test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor diseases of the liver such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

AST blood test helps to monitor recovery from or treatment for liver disease. Normal range for a AST blood test is 8 - 35 units per liter (U/L) or 5 - 40 international units per liter (IU/L). AST levels in the blood rise when there is tissue damage. Very high levels of AST in the blood indicate possible tumor, Pancreatitis, cancer, cirrhosis, muscular dystrophy or heart failure.

ALT blood test

ALT blood test determines the level of the enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) in the blood. ALT is found highly concentrated in the liver and in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas. This test is also called Serum glutamate and pyruvate transaminase (SGPT). Normal ALT blood levels lie between 4 - 36 units per liter (U/L) or 4-36 international units per liter (IU/L). Often this test is done along with AST blood test. ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. When the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT in to the blood stream causing blood ALT levels to rise. An ALT blood test is often prescribed to identify liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice and liver damage. Other causes for elevated blood ALT levels are thyroid disease, lead poisoning, polymuositis, heart attack and liver cancer.

CMP blood test

A CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) blood test is a set of specific tests that aid in providing a physician with vital information on the status of a patient's liver, kidneys, blood sugar, blood proteins and electrolyte balance. Often a CMP blood test is part of a yearly examination. The CMP blood test encompasses:

• BUN blood test
  
• Creatinine test
  
• ALP blood test
  
• ALT blood test
  
• AST blood test
  
• Bilirubin test
  
• Glucose test
  
• Calcium test
  
• Albumin test
  
• Total Protein test
  
• Sodium test
  
• Potassium test
  
• CO2 test
  
• Chloride test