AST and SGOT, also Aspartate Amino Transferase and Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (T507) [Back]
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| RISK ASSESSMENT VALUE: |
AST (SGOT) is an enzyme found primarily in the cells of the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, pancreas, and to a lesser extent, in red blood cells. It is a less specific "liver enzyme" than ALT and less likely to be elevated by HCV. It is however more likely to be elevated than ALT by cirrhosis and heavy alcohol consumption.
Elevations primarily of transaminases (AST and ALT) with no or lesser elevation of GGT and Alkaline Phosphatase suggest a hepatocellular process such as viral hepatitis. Many medications especially statins are commonly associated with mild transaminase elevation.
Although ALT is more specific to the liver, data on insurance applicants indicates elevation of AST actually has a larger impact on mortality.
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| NORMAL RESULTS: |
0-41 units/liter (U/L)
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| ABNORMAL RESULTS: |
>41 U/L
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| ADDITIONAL TESTS: |
Reflex testing for hepatitis has a higher yield if done on ALT elevations.
AST though more specific for alcohol, still has low sensitivity and specificity.
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| SAMPLE NEEDED: |
Separated serum from a red-stopper tube
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| SAMPLE STABILITY: |
10 days at room temperature, 2 weeks when refrigerated, indefinitely when frozen
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| METHOD & INSTRUMENT: |
Ketoglutarate reacts with L-aspartate in the presence of AST (SGOT) to form L-glutalate plus oxaloacetate. Oxaloacetate is utilized for kinetic determination of NADH consumption. Hitachi Modular.
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| PURPOSE: |
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| PROFILE INCLUDES: |
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| RISK RANGE & UNITS: |
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