Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- Li Hep Plasma
1ml whole blood (minimum sample volume 30 uL)
Specimen Transport
Not applicable
Sample Processing in Laboratory
No special transport requirements
Sample Preparation
Centrifuge on arrival
Turnaround Time
1 daySample Stability
Store at 4oC.
Stable at room temperature for 24 hours and seven days at 4 ºC.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
General Information
Very high levels of AST, sometimes in excess of 100 times, are seen in severe tissue damage such as acute hepatitis, crush injuries and tissue hypoxia. In acute myocardial infarction plasma AST begins to rise 12 hours after the infarct reaching a peak at 24-36 hours.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Haemolysis interferes with measurement of AST activity.
Reference Range
5-34 IU/L
(Source : Abbott Diagnostics)
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
-
EQA Status:
NEQAS for Clinical Chemistry Scheme