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Test Code AST Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), S LAB131

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint The Finley Hospital

Test Method

Enzymatic Method; Roche cobas Pro

 

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours

STAT orders: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Specimen Requirement

  1. Lithium heparin plasma (green) is the specimen of choice. 500μL.
  2. Serum (red/gold) and EDTA plasma (purple) are also acceptable sample types.
  3.  It is recommended that the serum or plasma be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from time of collection.
  4. AST specimens are stable for 4 days at 20-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, and 3 months at -20°C.

Useful For

The enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is widely distributed in tissue, principally hepatic, cardiac, muscle, and kidney. Elevated serum levels are found in diseases involving these tissues. Hepatobiliary diseases, such as cirrhosis, metastatic carcinoma, and viral hepatitis also increase serum AST levels. Following myocardial infarction, serum AST is elevated and reaches a peak 2 days after onset.

Reference Values

Males: 10-50 U/L
Females: 10-35 U/L

CPT Code Information

84450 Chemistry: Transferase aspartate amino (AST)
(SGOT)

LOINC Code Information

1920-8 Aspartate Aminotransferase [Enzymatic Activity/Volume] In
Serum Or Plasma