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HelpTest ID AST Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (GOT), Serum
Necessary Information
Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Useful For
Diagnosing and monitoring liver disease, particularly diseases resulting in a destruction of hepatocytes
Method Name
Photometric Rate, L-Aspartate with Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate
Reporting Name
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is found in high concentrations in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney. AST is present in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells. In cases involving mild tissue injury, the predominant form of AST is that from the cytoplasm. Severe tissue damage results in more of the mitochondrial enzyme being released. High levels of AST can be found in cases such as myocardial infarction, acute liver cell damage, viral hepatitis, and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. Slight to moderate elevation of AST is seen in muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, and crushed muscle injuries.
Reference Values
Males
0-11 months: not established
1-13 years: 8-60 U/L
≥14 years: 8-48 U/L
Females
0-11 months: not established
1-13 years: 8-50 U/L
≥14 years: 8-43 U/L
Cautions
Pyridoxal phosphate is a cofactor in the reaction and is necessary for enzyme activity.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84450