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SGOT/AST
Test CodeSGOT/AST
Alias/See Also
Chemistry
Preferred Specimen
Light Green Top Tube -Plasma
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Gold Top Tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 12 weeks
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 12 weeks
Methodology
The Aspartate Aminotransferase2 assay is used for the quantitation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in human serum or plasma on the Alinity c system.
The Aspartate Aminotransferase2 assay is to be used as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of certain liver diseases.
The Aspartate Aminotransferase2 assay is an automated clinical chemistry assay.
AST present in the sample catalyzes the transfer of the amino group from L-aspartate to α-ketoglutarate, forming oxaloacetate and L-glutamate. Oxaloacetate in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is reduced to L-malate. In this reaction, NADH is oxidized to NAD+. The reaction is monitored by measuring the rate of decrease in absorbance at 340 nm due to the oxidation of NADH to NAD+.
Methodology: NADH (without P-5’-P)
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
TAT 1 day
Reference Range
5 – 34 IUNITS/L
Clinical Significance
AST is a liver enzyme that is also found in the heart, skeletal muscle and kidney. AST has two isoenzymes that are found in either the mitochondria or cytoplasm in cells. Alcohol-induced hepatocyte injury induces predominantly mitochondrial damage. AST requires vitamin B6 as a cofactor for the enzymatic reaction. Decreased AST levels may indicate vitamin B6 deficiency and uremia.1, 2, 3
AST is most commonly used in conjunction with other laboratory findings [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. The DeRitis ratio (AST/ALT quotient) is found to be elevated in alcohol-induced liver disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and acute fulminant hepatic failure. A ratio of greater than two suggests that alcohol is the cause of liver injury.1, 2, 3
AST is most commonly used in conjunction with other laboratory findings [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. The DeRitis ratio (AST/ALT quotient) is found to be elevated in alcohol-induced liver disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and acute fulminant hepatic failure. A ratio of greater than two suggests that alcohol is the cause of liver injury.1, 2, 3
Performing Laboratory
Test performed in BACL Chemistry Labs
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek, West Roxbury 857-203-5973
Alternate contact Joseph A. Manzone JP 857-364-5092
Alternate contact Diane Robert BR 774-826-2294
Alternate contact Bhumikaben Patel Bedford 781-687-2976
Last Updated: April 17, 2026
