SGOT (AST): normal range and what it means

A liver and muscle enzyme; read alongside ALT.

Normal range

Adult reference range.

  • Optimal< 32 U/L
  • Borderline32 – 40 U/L
  • High≥ 40 U/L
080 U/L

What it measures

Also called AST, an enzyme found in liver, heart and skeletal muscle. Because muscle carries it too, hard exercise raises it without anything being wrong with your liver.

What moves it

Alcohol, some medications, body composition — and muscle, since it is not liver-specific. Intense exercise before a draw can raise it.

How to bring it into range

Read it against ALT. Avoid heavy training for two or three days before a draw, or you will chase a number that only reflects your session.

How fast it responds

Days to weeks.

Also reported as: ast · aspartate aminotransferase · sgot

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Common questions

What is a normal SGOT (AST) level?
Optimal: < 32 U/L. Adult reference range.
What does a high SGOT (AST) mean?
A value above the reference band means SGOT (AST) is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
How do I improve my SGOT (AST)?
Read it against ALT. Avoid heavy training for two or three days before a draw, or you will chase a number that only reflects your session.

Related markers

GGT

More in Liver

SGPT (ALT)GGTAlkaline PhosphataseAlbuminGlobulinTotal GlobulinDirect BilirubinIndirect Bilirubin

Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.