GOT (AST)
Liver enzyme indicating cell damage
Also known as
Definition
GOT (aspartate aminotransferase, AST) is an enzyme found in liver, heart, and muscle cells that is released into the bloodstream upon cell damage. It serves as a marker for hepatocellular injury, muscle trauma, and myocardial infarction. In liver diagnostics, GOT is evaluated alongside GPT; a GOT/GPT ratio above 2 suggests alcoholic hepatopathy.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | U/l (IU/l) |
| Reference Range | Women: < 35 U/l | Men: < 50 U/l |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
Very low GOT values are rarely clinically significant. A GOT near zero can indicate severe vitamin B6 deficiency (GOT is B6-dependent). Generally, a low GOT value is not a medical problem.
↑ What a high value means
Elevated GOT (> 35–50 U/l) occurs with hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, toxic), fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), cirrhosis, myocardial infarction (myocardial necrosis), rhabdomyolysis, and intense strength training. The GOT/GPT ratio (de Ritis ratio) helps with differentiation: ratio > 2 = typical of alcoholic hepatopathy; ratio < 1 = viral or metabolic liver damage more likely.
✓ What can influence this value
GOT (AST) is influenced by alcohol consumption, fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and body weight, and liver-toxic medications (for example acetaminophen in high doses, certain antibiotics, rarely statins). Because the enzyme is also found in muscle and heart, intense strength training in the days before the blood draw, muscle injuries, and heart diseases can raise the value. Hemolysis of the sample can also distort it. The assessment is made by the treating doctor.
When to test
As part of the baseline liver panel alongside GPT and GGT. Fasting is not required. Intense physical exercise such as strength training or a marathon in the days before the blood draw can raise GOT from muscle cells. Whether and when it is measured again is decided by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why is GOT elevated after strength training? +
GOT is found not only in liver cells but also in muscle cells. Intense strength training or muscle damage (DOMS) causes GOT to exit muscles into the blood — a physiological process without disease significance, but one that can confound blood draws taken 48 hours after training.
What does an elevated de Ritis ratio (GOT/GPT > 2) mean? +
A GOT/GPT ratio > 2 is a classic sign of alcoholic liver disease. In viral hepatitis and NAFLD, GPT is often more elevated than GOT, so the ratio is < 1.
When does further testing follow a raised GOT? +
With markedly or persistently raised values, or with symptoms such as jaundice, further liver tests can follow, such as ultrasound, viral serology, ferritin, or autoantibodies. Whether and which tests follow is decided by your doctor.
GOT (AST)
Sources
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.