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UF Health University of Florida
Pathology Laboratories UF Path Labs - Department of Pathology
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Aspertate Aminotransferase (AST)

Additional Information:


UFHPL Epic order code: LAB131

CPT Code(s):

84450

Collection Procedure:

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

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Peripheral blood
Container/Tube:

  • Serum, gel
  • Plasma, gel

Sample Volume: 0.5mL

Stability (collection to time of analysis/testing):

  • Ambient: 1 day
  • Refrigerated: 4 weeks
  • Frozen: 1 year

Unacceptable Conditions: Moderate-to-gross hemolysis

Specimen Retention Time: 5 days

Methodology:


This AST procedure utilizes a modification of the methodology recommended by the IFCC. In this method, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) catalyzes the transamination of aspartate and a-oxoglutarate, forming L-glutamate and oxalacetate. The oxalacetate is then reduced to L-malate by malate dehydrogenase, while NADH is simultaneously converted to NAD+.The decrease in absorbance due to the consumption of NADH is measured at 340 nm and is proportional to the AST activity in the sample.

Reported:


Within 24 hours

Reference Values:

13 – 37 U/L