Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) : 822

Test Code

ASTAU or 822

Alias/See Also

AST; SGOT

CPT Codes
84450

Transport Container

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum

Alternative Specimens
Sodium heparin (green-top) tube; Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature.

Specimen Stability

Serum and plasma:
Room temperature: 4 days; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 5 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis; Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Spectrophotometry

Setup Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Report Available

1 day

Reference Range

Male (U/L) Female (U/L)

<1 Month 3-51 3-49

1-11 Months 3-65 3-79

1-3 Years 3-56 3-69

4-6 Years 20-39 20-39

7-19 Years 12-32 12-32

20-49 Years 10-40

20-44 Years 10-30

≥45 Years 10-35

≥50 Years 10-35 10-35

Clinical Significance

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.

Performing Laboratory
med fusion

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.