If ast is higher even in normal range does this mean inflammation? i though hepatitis panel ruled out inflammation of it were negative?

AST is a liver enzyme which can be abnormal in many diseases, not just viral hepatitis. Of ALT (SGPT) and AST (SGOT), ALT is a better marker for acute inflammation, AST can be high in both acute and chronic condition. E.g. an alcoholic may have a normal or high normal ALT but persistently high AST. In contrast, if you drink alcohol or Tylenol before blood test, ALT can be high with normal AST.

How high? All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, if you drink alcohol, that can explain elevation of AST . Wish you good health!