AST / ALT results puzzling me a bit.

[normanbyrott]

Most recently it was AST 20, ALT 16In recent years it has been 16/13, 16/15, 10/16, 11/18.

I never took much notice as the printout says below 40 for both is safe. But now looking at the ratios quoted I am not sure.

I am planning a health screening soon which will include an ultrasound. Would a fibroscan also be advisable.?

No symptoms at all, all comments appreciated.

[AyrshireK]

The AST : ALT ratio has little to no relevance when both results are in normal range. The ratio is only used if one or both results are significantly elevated OR in cases of known cirrhosis to help to deduce the possible cause.

Have you got reason to be concerned about possible liver disease - at 74 years old with zero symptoms then it doesn't sound likely you have much to be concerned about.

Fibroscan and ultrasound would hopefully reveal if there is any area of concern but at 74 all you are going to get going forward is advice to look after yourself the best you can.

Katie

[normanbyrott in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks AK, a longer reply has somehow disappeared but thsnk you.

[kensimmons in reply to normanbyrott]

AK is 100 percent accurate and I would just be wasting time expanding on what she wrote. I an NOT a doctor but with those numbers you can relax and not fear - you do not have a liver issue (I repeat I am not a doctor and no knucklehead like me on the internet should be listened to..........except in this case, seriously you are fine).

[normanbyrott in reply to kensimmons]

The only reason for my concern is that some months ago replying to another on here I mentioned that I had averaged over 30 units a week for 50+ years. Full of good intentions I am sure, a gent came straight back to me and said that with my history I was bound to have a severely damaged liver and needed a fibroscan asap. It has been on my mind ever since.I would add that due to the increasing severity of hangovers for the last year I am down to about 10 units a week.

[Realy in reply to AyrshireK]

so if AST is 16 and AlT 15 as long as they are normal range they are not crucial. I guess most people get concerned as maybe there levels may have been the other way around AST 15 ALT 16 and apears not normal. But in reality those are healthy readings .

[Fibro2021]

Vitamin B6 deficiency can affect the change in the AST/ALT ratio. But this can be more accurately determined by testing the level of B6 in the blood. Vitamin B6 deficiency reduces ALT activity but does not affect AST levels. There may be other reasons for the relative increase in AST or decrease in ALT within the normal range. In each case, it's better to talk about this with your doctor.