Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Low AST: What Does It Mean?

Low AST is usually not clinically important on its own and is interpreted in laboratory context.

Test summary

Test name: AST
Abbreviations: AST, ASAT, GOT
Category: Hepatology / Liver Enzymes
Panel: Liver Function Panel
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: U/L, µkat/L

What does the test measure?

Measures blood activity of AST, an enzyme found in the liver, muscles and several other tissues.

Why is the test ordered?

Usually ordered with ALT and other liver tests; AST can also be affected by injury outside the liver.

Information about a low result

Low AST is usually not clinically important on its own and is interpreted in laboratory context.

Information about a high result

High AST can occur with liver, muscle or other tissue injury; the pattern with ALT and related tests helps interpretation.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 8 – <= 33 U/L

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example adult AST reference interval

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

AST is not liver-specific. It should be interpreted particularly with ALT and the clinical context.

Related specialties

Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Liver Function Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Liver panel components, purposes, pattern-based interpretation and limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Example adult intervals for ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, BUN, creatinine and electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
ALT Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · ALT purpose, liver-cell injury context and example interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
AST Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · AST purpose and interpretation with ALT/other liver tests · Verified: Aug 12, 2026