Aspartate aminotransferase; Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; SGOT

Veins vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Bleeding from where the needle was inserted
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

AST levels may rise during pregnancy and after exercise.

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AST Prevention

Review Date: 02/20/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)