HTA Details
Aspartate Aminotransferase Testing
- Publication date
-
2013-June-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Diabetes and Other Endocrinal, Nutritional and Metabolic
- Recommendation
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Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that aspartate aminotransferase testing be restricted to ordering by or on the advice of physicians with experience treating liver disorders.
- Ministry Response
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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
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To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme (a protein) found in many organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, heart, and muscle cells. Doctors often use aspartate aminotransferase test results to diagnose or monitor liver damage. However, AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver, so it is not a very specific test.
Ontario Health talked to experts to find out whether aspartate aminotransferase testing in community-based laboratories is helpful.
Supporting Documents
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
