Why do I need an aspartate aminotransferase level?

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is done to:

• Check for liver damage.
• Help identify liver disease, especially hepatitis and cirrhosis. Liver disease may produce symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting and sometimes jaundice.
• Check on the success of treatment for liver disease.
• Find out whether jaundice was caused by a blood disorder or liver disease.
• Keep track of the effects of cholesterol -lowering medicines and other medicines that can damage the liver.