Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Hepatic Panel

Normal Reference Ranges

Adult

8 - 48 U/L

Pediatric

10 - 50 U/L

Clinical Significance

Less specific to the liver than ALT (also found in heart and skeletal muscle). In alcoholic liver disease, the AST to ALT ratio is classically > 2:1.

Causes of High

  • Alcoholic hepatitis
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Liver failure

Causes of Low

  • Normal finding
  • Vitamin B6 deficiency