What is the normal AST level range?

The normal range for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels can vary slightly between laboratories; however, a commonly accepted reference range for adults is approximately 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L). The choice of 0-35 is close to this range, since AST levels are generally considered to be within the good health threshold up to around 40 U/L.

Understanding the normal AST levels is important because elevated levels can indicate liver damage or other medical conditions, such as heart disease or muscle disorders. When interpreting laboratory results, it's essential to consider the patient's overall health and any symptoms they may present with in conjunction with these results, as AST levels alone do not provide a complete picture of health.

While some laboratories might report a slightly lower cutoff, acknowledging the variations in testing protocols helps reinforce the idea that understanding laboratory results is critical in clinical decision-making. Thus, the chosen range reflects a generally accepted understanding of normal values for AST in adults.