The SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) or AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is a test that is conducted to check for liver damage and issues related to it. The liver is a very vital organ of our body and is responsible for the performance of several functions such as making Bile juice that helps in the digestion process. There are several factors that can cause liver damage such as hepatitis and alcohol or drug use. The liver makes the enzyme AST; the level of which remains low in the blood as long as the liver is normal. When there is liver damage the AST level rises. If you have symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice swollen belly stomach ache itchy skin dark coloured urine etc.