Liver
AST test cost — $4–$21.95
AST · measured in U/L
Transaminase from liver and muscle — check the ratio.
Optimal windowReference range
8–33 U/L
Published blood chemistry examples. Intervals depend on the laboratory and population; the fasting glucose example does not apply to a glucose-tolerance challenge.
Optimal range / clinical target
A separate universal ‘optimal’ interval is not established in the cited guidance. The goal depends on why you were tested; aiming for the middle or an extreme of the reference interval is not a treatment plan.
Examples are educational, not your reporting lab’s interval.
NIH MedlinePlus: CMP reference examplesWhen AST matters
Protocols and goals where this marker is worth tracking.
On TRT, HRT, GLP-1s or peptides? Use the Find tests for your goal tool to see suggested biomarkers and build your monitoring list.
Tests that include AST
AST is included in Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. GoodLabs and Ulta prices below cover that panel, not an individual biomarker. Test prices are shown before separate collection fees.
Tracking more than one biomarker?
Build a list to compare test and panel combinations, with one blood-draw fee in your GoodLabs estimate.
$12 blood draw per visit, added once to your order.
Collection fee is additional; not included in this test price.
Does insurance cover AST testing?
When a clinician orders AST for a diagnosis or to follow a known condition, most plans cover it — and many cover routine screening as $0 preventive care for eligible adults. The catch is you need a qualifying reason and an in-network order; a “I just want to see my number” request often isn’t covered, and if you haven’t met your deductible you can end up paying the lab’s full list price anyway.
The direct-pay prices above skip insurance entirely: you pay the cash price, test on your own schedule with no doctor visit, and it’s HSA/FSA-eligible. For a single marker that’s often cheaper — and faster — than a copay plus deductible exposure.
AST inside a bundle
Every compared membership/panel that includes AST, cheapest first. Worth it when you want several markers at once rather than a single test.
| Provider | Model | Advertised panel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiPhox Health | At-home, per-panel (selectable) | 59+ 39 biomarkers mapped | $99-124 / panel |
| Labcorp OnDemand | One-time à-la-carte | 47+ 36 biomarkers mapped | $169 comp. |
| Empirical Health | One-time panel | 100+ 46 biomarkers mapped | $190 one-time |
| Mito Health | At-cost marketplace + optional membership | 100+ 63 biomarkers mapped | Core Panel ~$198 |
| Superpower | Annual membership | 103+ 73 biomarkers mapped | $199/yr |
| Hundred | Annual membership | 160+ 74 biomarkers mapped | $199/yr |
| Function Health | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Blueprint (Bryan Johnson) | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Everlywell 360 | Annual membership | 83+ 35 biomarkers mapped | $399/yr |
| Quest Health (Elite) | One-time direct-pay | 85+ 49 biomarkers mapped | $399 one-time |
| HealthieOne | One-time test | 250+ 50 biomarkers mapped | $420/test + draw |
| Life Extension (Elite) | One-time à-la-carte | 45+ 49 biomarkers mapped | ~$449 one-time |
| InsideTracker | Membership + à-la-carte tests | 48+ 46 biomarkers mapped | $489 (1st test) |
| Marek Health | Annual membership | 80+ 55 biomarkers mapped | ~$495/yr |
| OneTwenty | Annual membership | 85+ 51 biomarkers mapped | $499/yr |
| Thorne Advanced | One-time panel | 60+ 51 biomarkers mapped | ~$830 one-time |
| Lifeforce | Subscription + diagnostic | 51+ 49 biomarkers mapped | ~$2,137/yr |
What AST is
A transaminase found in liver, skeletal and cardiac muscle, and red cells. Less liver-specific than ALT, so it is interpreted alongside ALT and the AST/ALT (De Ritis) ratio.
Why it matters for longevity & performance
AST/ALT above 1 can signal advanced fibrosis or alcohol effect; isolated AST elevation often reflects muscle (exercise, statins) rather than liver.
AST & peptides — what to watch
If you’re running peptides, TRT or HRT, these are the compounds studied in relation to AST — useful for deciding what to track. Research associations for monitoring, not medical or dosing advice. Tap one for its full profile.
AST testing — frequently asked
Do I need to fast for a AST test?
No. AST does not require fasting — you can test any time of day.
Do I need a doctor's order to get a AST test?
No. Direct-to-consumer labs (GoodLabs, Ulta, Quest and Labcorp OnDemand) include the physician order in the price — you order online and visit a draw site, no appointment with your own doctor needed.
How fast are AST results?
Usually 1–3 business days after your blood draw; most results post to the lab's online portal.
What's the difference between the standard and optimal AST range?
Reference intervals describe results in a reference population; they do not by themselves diagnose or exclude disease. A treatment target depends on the condition and the person. A separate universal ‘optimal’ interval is not established in the cited guidance. The goal depends on why you were tested; aiming for the middle or an extreme of the reference interval is not a treatment plan.
Which peptides affect AST?
Compounds studied in relation to AST include Semaglutide, Tirzepatide. These are research associations for monitoring — not medical or dosing advice.
Does insurance cover AST testing?
Often, when ordered for a diagnosis; many plans cover it as preventive care at no cost for eligible adults. The direct-pay prices above let you skip insurance and test on your own schedule.
Related Liver biomarkers
Educational guidance. Use your reporting lab’s reference interval and discuss personal targets and results with your clinician.