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Epic Test Code LAB131 Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,HRK,OCH,FTT,FOX,FCC

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top

Alternate Container

Green top

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection 

Gold tops  DO NOT ALIQUOT

Aliquot Red tops after centrifuging 

 

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

 Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes

>7days refrigerated SERUM

>24 hours  refrigerated PLASMA
>24 hours room temperature
> 1 year frozen SERUM
Hemolysis > 50 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 300 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili

Limitations

Hemolysis falsely elevates AST results. Hemolyzed specimens should not be used. Grossly lipemic specimens (tiglycerides at 300 mg/dL increase AST resulting by 44%, and should not be used.

Patients deficient in Vitamin B6 (i.e. alcoholics or CKD,) may exhibit low results.  

A large number of commonly used drugs have been reported to alter AST activity in vivo

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
<1 month U/L 20-90
General U/L 13-39

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

84450

Last Updated

26-NOV-24 MS