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Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST / SGOT) Unit Converter
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), formerly known as Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found in high concentrations in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. It catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate, forming glutamate and oxaloacetate, a crucial step in amino acid metabolism.
Clinically, AST is a key marker for hepatocellular injury, though it is less specific to the liver than Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) because of its wide tissue distribution. Elevated levels are seen in myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and hemolysis, in addition to liver diseases. The ratio of AST to ALT (De Ritis Ratio) provides further diagnostic insight. Results are reported in activity units (U/L or µkat/L). This converter ensures accurate switching between these international standards.
SI Units
RecommendedMicrokatals per liter (Standard International).
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
AST levels are often compared to ALT. An AST/ALT ratio > 2.0 is highly suggestive of Alcoholic Liver Disease (partly due to pyridoxal phosphate deficiency affecting ALT activity). In viral hepatitis or NAFLD, the ratio is typically < 1.0.
Because AST is also found in RBCs, hemolyzed samples can cause falsely elevated results. Reference ranges vary by age and sex but are typically 10 – 40 U/L. The conversion factor is constant: 1 U/L ≈ 0.0167 µkat/L.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., U/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like µkat/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section for the internationally recommended reporting standard (µkat/L).
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
AST is an enzyme. Clinical labs measure its catalytic activity (rate of reaction), not its mass.
Yes, U/L (Units per Liter) and IU/L (International Units per Liter) are interchangeable.