AST

Test Code

AST

Alias/See Also

Aspartate Aminotransferase;SGOT

CPT Codes
84450

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel separator)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 Green tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma or serum and red cells. Separate and refrigerate until tested.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

15-30°C up to 1 day
2-8°C up to 28 days
Frozen up to 1 year

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

Hemolysis interferes

Methodology

UV without P5P @ 37°C

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Same day tested at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

13 - 39 U/L

Clinical Significance

AST is commonly found throughout the tissues with significant amounts in the heart and liver. Tissue injury results in the release of the AST enzyme. An increase in serum AST is also found with hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and liver metastasis.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)

Last Updated: July 17, 2024

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.