Needlepoint is worked upon specialized types of stiff canvas that have openings at regular intervals. Embroidery that is not needlepoint often uses soft cloth and requires an embroidery hoop.
It is often ordered in conjunction with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as part of a liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to screen for and/or help diagnose liver disease. ALT is an enzyme found mostly in the cells of the liver and kidney. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the blood. This makes ALT a useful test for early detection of liver damage. AST and ALT are considered to be two of the most important tests to detect liver injury, although ALT is more specific to the liver than is AST.
AST (SGOT) Test. This blood test measures an enzyme called aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Enzymes are chemicals that help the cells of your body work. AST is found in red blood cells, liver cells, and muscle cells, including the heart. It is released into the blood when these cells are damaged.