The Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test measures the level of AST, an enzyme found mainly in the liver, heart, and muscles. When these tissues are damaged, AST is released into the bloodstream, making the test a useful indicator of liver and metabolic health.

Monitoring AST levels can help detect conditions such as liver disease, muscle injury, or other metabolic concerns early, before symptoms progress.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

What is Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)?

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that helps your body turn food into energy by supporting the breakdown of amino acids. Think of it like a worker in your body’s “energy factory” – it helps keep things running smoothly. AST is found in several organs, especially the liver, heart, and muscles.

Normally, only small amounts of AST are in your blood. But if the liver or muscles are injured, more AST “leaks out,” raising blood levels. That’s why the AST blood test is often used to check liver function and detect possible damage.

Quick facts:

• Found mainly in the liver, heart, and muscles.
• High levels in blood can signal liver injury, muscle damage, or other conditions.
• Often tested alongside other liver enzymes, like ALT, for a clearer health picture.

In short, AST is a helpful marker that gives doctors clues about the health of your liver and muscles.

Why is Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) important?

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is essential for evaluating liver, heart, and muscle health because elevated AST can signal tissue damage, metabolic disturbances, or chronic disease. Monitoring AST helps to detect conditions early, supports longevity by enabling prompt treatment, and helps maintain efficient metabolism by ensuring organs like the liver are working well.

• Globally, liver disease causes about two million deaths annually, which is roughly 4% of all deaths each year.
• In Australia, liver cancer deaths are rising: it is estimated there will be 2,545 deaths from liver cancer in 2023, up from 2,290 in 2021.

By paying attention to AST levels, you can catch problems like fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, or cirrhosis early—often before significant symptoms appear. Understanding your AST empowers you to make lifestyle or medical changes to protect your liver, metabolism, and overall health.

When should you get an Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test?

You may be advised to have an Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test if you have risk factors, symptoms, or health conditions linked to liver or muscle function. Common scenarios include:

• Unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).
• Family history of liver disease, fatty liver, or genetic conditions that affect the liver or muscles.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or alcohol use disorder that increase liver strain.
• Monitoring existing liver disease or treatment progress for hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other conditions.
• Pregnancy, if your doctor needs to check liver function as part of routine antenatal care.
• GP referral after abnormal results in other tests, such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Getting tested at the right time allows early detection, guiding treatment or lifestyle changes that support long-term liver and metabolic health.

How does the Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test work in Australia?

In Australia, the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test is a standard pathology test performed at clinics, hospitals, or dedicated collection centres. A healthcare professional collects a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. Unlike some blood tests, you don’t need to fast beforehand unless your doctor has ordered other tests, such as cholesterol or glucose, at the same time.

When it comes to the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test cost Australia, Medicare generally covers the test if your GP or specialist provides a referral for investigating symptoms or monitoring liver conditions. If you request it without a referral or through a private provider, you may pay an out-of-pocket fee—typically between $20 and $50, depending on the laboratory.

Most Australians have their AST measured as part of a liver function test (LFT) or comprehensive health panel. These panels are commonly available through GP referrals, health clinics, and private testing services, offering a broader view of your liver and metabolic health in one appointment. This makes it easier to track how AST relates to other enzymes like ALT or ALP.

What do my Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) results mean?

The Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the level of this enzyme in your blood, reported in units per litre (U/L). A normal result usually means your liver and muscles are functioning well. When levels rise above the reference range, it can suggest tissue damage or stress. Doctors often compare AST with other markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to get a more complete picture of liver health.

Here’s a simple breakdown of AST results:

AST levels alone cannot confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) in context with other tests

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is most useful when viewed alongside other blood markers. On its own, a raised AST level shows that something may be affecting the liver, heart, or muscles, but it doesn’t pinpoint the exact cause. That’s why doctors usually order AST as part of a liver function test (LFT) panel.

Other related markers help create a clearer picture:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): often compared with AST to check for liver-specific injury
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): helps distinguish liver issues from bone-related conditions
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): can indicate alcohol-related liver damage or bile duct problems
• Bilirubin: measures how well the liver processes waste

Looking at AST in context with these markers makes it easier to tell whether abnormal results are due to liver disease, muscle damage, or another cause. This combined approach helps guide further testing and treatment, giving you a more complete understanding of your health.

Lifestyle and practical steps for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

While the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is mainly used to assess liver and muscle health, certain lifestyle habits can influence your levels. Supporting your liver and overall metabolic function can help keep AST within a healthy range.

1. Eat a balanced diet: Limit alcohol, processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. Choose vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, nuts, and whole grains to support liver function.
2. Exercise in moderation: Regular physical activity helps with weight and metabolic health. Avoid extreme workouts that may temporarily raise AST levels.
3. Prioritise quality sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep to protect metabolic health and reduce liver strain.
4. Manage stress effectively: Chronic stress can worsen lifestyle habits that harm the liver. Practices like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can help.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Achieving and keeping a healthy weight lowers the risk of fatty liver disease and supports balanced AST levels.

These steps are supportive rather than medical treatment, but they can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. The best starting point is testing. Once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test in Australia

What is the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test used for?

The AST test measures an enzyme that helps check liver, heart, and muscle health. It is often part of a liver function test panel to detect liver disease, monitor treatment, or investigate symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain.

How much does the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test cost in Australia?

If ordered by a GP or specialist, the AST test is usually covered by Medicare. Without a referral, private costs generally range between $20 and $50, depending on the pathology provider.

Is the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers the test when requested by a doctor as part of investigating symptoms or monitoring liver function. Out-of-pocket costs may apply if you choose to test privately without a referral.

Do I need a GP referral for the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test?

In most cases, yes. A GP referral ensures Medicare coverage and helps interpret results in the context of other tests. Some private health services may offer the test without referral, but you’ll pay the full cost.

Can I have the Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test during pregnancy?

Yes. The AST test is safe during pregnancy and may be recommended if your doctor needs to assess liver health as part of antenatal care.

What symptoms might suggest I need an Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test?

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, or unexplained abdominal pain. Your doctor may recommend an AST test if these signs appear.

What is the normal range for Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)?

For adults, the normal reference range is typically 10–40 U/L. Levels above this may suggest liver or muscle stress, but interpretation should always be done alongside other tests such as ALT or ALP.

Conclusion

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is a key enzyme that plays an important role in energy production and acts as a marker of liver, muscle, and overall metabolic health. When tissues are damaged, AST levels in the blood rise, which makes this test valuable for identifying potential problems early. By checking AST alongside related markers such as ALT and ALP, doctors gain a clearer understanding of how well your liver and other organs are functioning.

Knowing your AST levels offers peace of mind and can highlight areas where lifestyle changes or further care may be needed. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, testing gives you the opportunity to take proactive steps toward protecting your long-term health and wellbeing.

Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and more than 50 other key markers.

References

1. Aloisio, E., et al. (2021). Sources and clinical significance of aspartate aminotransferase in COVID-19 and mortality risk.
2. Adams, L. A., et al. (2020). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease burden: Australia, 2019–. PMC.
3. Valery, P. C., et al. (2020). Hospitalisation for cirrhosis in Australia: disparities in outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients. Equity Health. Available at:
4. “Liver cancer in Australia statistics.” Cancer Australia, 2025.‍
5. McGill, M. R. (2016). The past and present of serum aminotransferases: A review.