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Explanation of Test: This test is used to screen for fetal anomalies during pregnancy. In non-pregnant patients, this test is used to screen for liver cancer, hepatic disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and to monitor effects of cancer treatment. AFP is produced by the fetal yolk sac and later by the liver cells |
Explanation of Test: AST is present in tissues of high metabolic activity such as heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, pancreas, spleen and lungs. Any disease affecting these tissues will affect AST level in the blood. Therefore this test helps to determine damage to the liver, heart or musculoskeletal system. An increase of 10 to 20 times normal may indicate acute viral hepatitis, mononucleosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, extensive burns or musculoskeletal trauma. In myocardial infarction, AST may be increased 4 to 10 times the normal levels. Decreased levels occur in Beriberi and uncontrolled diabetes ketoacidosis. This enzyme was formerly known as Glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT). |
