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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
AST is found in liver cells and muscle. Comparing it with ALT helps a clinician assess where an unexpected rise might have come from.
Price for this test on its ownAED 115Test price AED 15
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the AST/SGOT test measure?
Also called Liver Enzyme (AST / SGOT)
AST can help follow a known liver condition or investigate an abnormal liver panel. Its presence in skeletal muscle also makes a recent injury or intense workout relevant.
When it may be requested
A liver enzyme pattern
AST and ALT may rise together. Comparing them supplies context for further investigation.
Muscle symptoms
A recent muscle injury or demanding session at the gym may be relevant to an isolated AST rise.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
AST alone generally does not require fasting. Avoid unusually strenuous training for a day or two before a planned draw and tell the team about recent muscle injury or new medicines.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideAspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
Reading your result
The balance between AST and ALT is a clue rather than a diagnosis. When muscle injury is possible, a clinician may consider creatine kinase alongside the liver measurements.
What can affect it
- AST is found outside the liver and cannot identify the source of an elevation by itself.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testAspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
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Discuss the next step
Note recent exercise, muscle injury and medicines. Ask whether your ALT and muscle enzyme results help locate the source of an AST rise.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Basic Health CheckupLiver Profile
Basic Health CheckupBasic Wellness
Basic Health CheckupBasic Health CheckupSee all 10 packages
Advanced Health PackagesAdvanced Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesExecutive Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesObesity Profile
Advanced Health PackagesElite Health Checkup
Advanced Health PackagesExtensive Cardiac Function
Advanced Health PackagesFitness Profile
Advanced Health PackagesMaster Health CheckupClinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can recent muscle injury affect AST?
Yes. Tell your clinician about strenuous exercise or an injury near the collection date. The other liver and muscle results help put the finding into context.
Which other tests are usually checked with AST?
AST is almost always read with ALT, and usually as part of a wider liver panel. When a muscle source is suspected, for example after heavy exercise or an injury, your doctor may add CK, the main muscle enzyme. If the liver is the likely source, further liver tests or imaging may follow.
Why can AST rise after a hard workout?
Skeletal muscle contains a large amount of this enzyme, and intense or unaccustomed exercise causes microscopic muscle damage that releases it into the blood. The rise can last several days, which is why avoiding heavy training before the test is worth doing.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Liver Profile
Ten liver markers from one blood sample: enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin and liver proteins.
- biomarkers
- 10
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 89
Explore packageBasic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore packageBasic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore packageAdvanced Health Checkup
A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
- biomarkers
- 72
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 299
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Your next step
AST/SGOT test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.