Test Name: AST, Serum
Specimen Type: Serum
Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial
Day Performed: Daily
Reporting Time: 8 Hours STAT Reporting Time: 120 MINUTES
Methodology: Beckman Coulter AU480
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
An increased AST level may be due to any of the following:
- Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
- liver tissue damage
- Heart attack
- Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Swollen and inflamed liver (hepatitis)
- Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
- Liver cancer or tumor
- Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver, especially alcohol use
- Mononucleosis (viral infection)
- Muscle disease or trauma
- Swollen and inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
AST level may also increase after:
- Burns (deep)
- Heart procedures
- Seizures
References:
- Daniels L, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 22.
- Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fortran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021: chap 73.