What is the ASH (Alcoholic Liver Disease) Test?
The ASH test is a comprehensive assessment used to evaluate the health of your liver and diagnose alcoholic liver disease. It measures specific biomarkers in your blood to determine if alcohol consumption has caused liver damage.
Why is the ASH Test Important?
Alcoholic liver disease can lead to severe health complications, including cirrhosis and liver failure. Early detection through this test allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing irreversible damage. This test is crucial for anyone who consumes alcohol regularly and wants to monitor their liver health.
Why Should You Consider Ordering the ASH Test?
Ordering this test can provide peace of mind and vital information about your liver health. If you experience symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, this test can help identify the cause. Regular monitoring can also aid in managing your alcohol consumption and making informed health decisions. If you experience these symptoms, contact your primary healthcare provider immediately.
Labs Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Ranges | High and Low Levels Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) |
|
High: High levels of AST indicate liver damage, possible hepatitis, or alcohol abuse.
Low: Low levels of AST are less common but can indicate vitamin B6 deficiency or kidney disease. |
| Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) |
|
High: High levels of ALT suggest liver damage, such as from hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Low: Low levels of ALT are generally not a concern but may be associated with malnutrition or severe liver disease. |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) |
|
High: High ALP levels indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders.
Low: Low ALP levels can suggest malnutrition, hypothyroidism, or certain genetic conditions. |
ASH (Alcoholic Liver Disease) FAQ
What is the test for?
The ASH test assesses liver function and detects damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. It measures biomarkers like AST, ALT, and ALP to diagnose alcoholic liver disease.
What do low and high levels mean?
High levels of AST, ALT, and ALP indicate liver damage, inflammation, or bile duct obstruction, often caused by excessive alcohol use. Low levels are generally less concerning but can indicate nutritional deficiencies or severe liver disease. It is also crucial to inform your doctor if your test results are showing critically high or low levels.
What are the signs and symptoms of the issue the test is testing for?
Signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, contact your primary healthcare provider immediately.
How often should I retest?
Retesting should be based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations, typically every 6-12 months if you have ongoing risk factors or symptoms of liver disease.
How accurate is the test?
The ASH test is highly accurate for detecting liver damage related to alcohol use. However, results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of other clinical findings.
What are the test requirements?
Fasting is required for this test. The patient’s age, gender, height, and weight at the time of collection must be submitted for testing.
Are test results private and confidential?
Receive test results securely on TrueHealthLabs.com under ‘My Account.’ It’s critical that you share them with your physician. Results may be disclosed to health authorities only if legally mandated, e.g., for STDs or COVID-19. Review our privacy policy for more details.
To learn more, see our comprehensive guide to the ASH Test.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by our medical review board consisting of Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Labs team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
