Aspartate Aminotransferase

Test Code

AST

Alias/See Also

AST, SGOT, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, GOT

CPT Codes
84450

Preferred Specimen

Light GREEN (PST)

Other Acceptable Specimens

RED (RED) Serum, Gold (SST) serum

Instructions

Separate serum/plasma from blood cells within 2 hours of collection.

Specimen Stability

Stable for 1 day when stored at 15 - 25°C or for four weeks when stored at 2 - 8°C and 1 year or more at <= -20°C.

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

Hemolysis

Setup Schedule

24x7

Report Available

1 day

Reference Range

AST: 8-40 U/L

Clinical Significance

AST is useful in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and follow of acute and chronic liver disorders. Transaminases are widely distributed in body tissues with significant amounts found in the heart and liver. Lesser amounts are also found in skeletal muscles, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lungs, and brain. Injury to these tissues result in the release of the AST enzyme to general circulation. Following a myocardial infarction, AST in serum begins to increase within 6 to 8 hours of onset of pain, reaching a peak within 18 to 24 hours and falling to normal by the fourth or fifth day. Serum values may increase to 15 to 20 times normal levels and the increase is roughly proportional to the degree of tissue damage.

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory
CCI Laboratory
FHSH Laboratory

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.