Preferred Sample Type

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Suitable Specimen Types

Li Hep Plasma

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Specimen Volume

1mL whole blood (minimum sample volume 250uL)

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Sample Processing In Laboratory

No special requirements

Sample Stability

7 days at 2-8°C

General Information

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is widely distributed, principally in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidney and red blood cells. Increased concentrations are found in diseases involving these tissues. Specifically hepatobiliary diseases including cirrhosis, metastatic cancer and viral hepatitis increase serum AST levels. Following myocardial infarction, AST is elevated and reaches a peak 2 days after onset. AST levels may be decreased in patients undergoing dialysis or with vitamin B6 deficiency.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required.

Notes

Haemolysis interferes with measurement of AST activity.

Reference Range

Adult male/female reference range: 11-34 U/L (Abbott Alinity)

Source of Reference Range

In-house validation

Specifications

  • EQA Status:

    NEQAS for Clinical Chemistry Scheme

  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

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