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AST

Alternative names:

aspartate aminotransferase; serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; SGOT

What the risks are:

  • excessive bleeding
  • fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • infection (a slight risk anytime the skin is broken)
  • multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.


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