Clinical use
Raised in liver disease and myocardial and skeletal muscle damage.
Background
AST is present in most tissues and organs of the body, but in varying concentrations. High levels are found in heart muscle, liver and red cells, with smaller amounts in kidneys etc. In the absence of haemolysis, elevated levels are associated with disease of the heart and liver, and when measured in conjunction with CK, LDH and ALP can be virtually diagnostic. In myocardial infarction the peak height is a good indicator of the severity of the attack.
Reference ranges
1 – 40 U/l
Associated diseases
Higher than normal levels:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute renal failure
- Hepatitis
- Liver cancer
- Myocardial infarction
- Progressive muscular dystrophy
Specimen requirements
Sample type
- Serum or Lithium Heparin Plasma. Stable in serum for 7 days when stored at 2 – 8°C and 4 days when stored at 15 – 25°C
Turnaround time
2 hours