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Test Code AST Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (GOT), Serum

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Necessary Information


Patient's age and sex are required.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days
  Ambient  7 days

Reference Values

Males

0-11 months: not established

1-13 years: 8-60 U/L

≥14 years: 8-48 U/L

Females

0-11 months: not established

1-13 years: 8-50 U/L

≥14 years: 8-43 U/L

CPT Code Information

84450

Clinical Information

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is found in high concentrations in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney. AST is present in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of cells. In cases involving mild tissue injury, the predominant form of AST is that from the cytoplasm. Severe tissue damage results in more of the mitochondrial enzyme being released. High levels of AST can be found in cases such as myocardial infarction, acute liver cell damage, viral hepatitis, and carbon tetrachloride poisoning. Slight to moderate elevation of AST is seen in muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, and crushed muscle injuries.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Method Name

Photometric Rate, L-Aspartate with Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday