AST/SGOT Aspartate Transaminase
Test Summary
AST is widely distributed throughout the tissues with significant amounts being in the heart and liver. Lesser amounts are found in skeletal muscles, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lungs, and brain. Injury to these tissues results in the release of the AST enzyme to general circulation. In myocardial infarction, serum AST may begin to rise within 6-8 hours after onset, peak within two days and return to normal by the fourth or fifth day post infarction. An increase in serum AST is also found with hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and liver metastasis.
Aliases
- Aspartate Aminotransferase
- Aspartate Transferase
- AST
- AST (SGOT)
- SGOT
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum/plasma must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 5 days
- Refrigerated = 7 days
- Frozen = 3 months
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Order Code
AST
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB062
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 84450
Billing Code
- 300000
CPT Statement
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
Reference Range
See Sample Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum/plasma must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 5 days
- Refrigerated = 7 days
- Frozen = 3 months
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Result Information
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
See Sample Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily