AST

AST what is it?

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is one of the so-called "liver tests liver tests, or enzymes found mainly in the liver and muscle. Normally they should be found inside the cells, Therefore, an increase in their concentration in the blood indicates damage to cells, (such as liver cells). AST determination is performed for the diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease.

AST test

The liver has very important functions in the body. It is responsible for neutralizing toxins and is involved in the metabolism of nutrients nutrients (such as fats). The liver is characterized by high regenerative abilities, which largely depend on the diet. W the diagnostic process of liver diseases, the determination of the AST concentration.

AST is an intracellular enzyme that is produced in the liver, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. In a healthy human the amount of this enzyme is small. If its level increases, it indicates the occurrence of liver damage.

The AST test is used:

• in the diagnosis of liver damage and disease,
• in monitoring the treatment of liver disease,

An increase in AST levels is observed in myocardial necrosis heart, intoxication with drugs toxic to liver cells, with muscle damage, and in cases of viral and alcoholic hepatitis.

AST – preparation and the test

The AST test does not require any particular preparation. Patients should be on an empty stomach (a 12-hour break from the last meal). The result may be unreliable due to:

1. physical exercise,
2. coffee consumption,
3. medication use,
4. alcohol consumption.

A blood sample is collected from the ulnar (elbow) vein according to the following procedure:

1. disinfecting the skin,
2. fitting a tourniquet,
3. applying pressure at the collection site.

The material collection lasts from a few to a dozen seconds.

AST – preparation for the test

On the day before the test:

• Avoid consuming large and fat meals and drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
• Refrain from drinking coffee and tea for at least 12 hours before blood collection.

On the day of the test:

• Patients should be on an empty stomach, which means that no meals can be consumed for about 12 hours before the test.
• They are allowed to drink a small amount of water in the morning hours.
• Where possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines, unless their physician instructs otherwise.
• The blood should be collected in the morning hours.
• Before the test, patients should remain at rest for 10-15 minutes (in a sitting position).
• Physical exercise, including moderate effort, such as walking or climbing stairs, may alter the values of laboratory tests.

AST results

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of a selected centre.
• The results can be accessed online. For this to be possible, it is necessary to collect a password at the reception desk of a selected centre.