Label Mnemonic: | AST |
Epic code: | LAB131 |
Order form: | Laboratory Requisition |
Supply order: | Supply Order Form |
Billing: | Billing Policies |
CPT code: | 84450 |
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Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL |
3 mL light green top tube or 1 light green top Microtainer® for pediatric patients
Adult Male: 0-50 U/L
Adult Female: 0-35 U/L
Pediatric Ranges:
Age | AST (U/L) |
---|---|
Up to 15 days | 40-175 |
15 days up to 1 year | 28-77 |
1-6 years | 29-53 |
7-11 years | 26-45 |
12-18 years (female) | 21-34 |
12-18 years (male) | 22-44 |
Adult and pediatric reference intervals were updated on 2/25/2025.
Avoid hemolysis. Adult reference ranges changed 11/26/2013.
Hemolysis interferes due to AST activity from erythrocytes and should be avoided. AST will not be reported for specimens with severe enough hemolysis (55 – 500 mg/dL hemoglobin depending on AST activity).
The assay is unaffected by icterus (bilirubin less than 60 mg/dL) and lipemia (Intralipid less than 150 mg/dL). Criterion: recovery within 10% of initial value.
Glick MR, Ryder KW, Jackson SA. Graphical Comparisons of Interferences in Clinical Chemistry Instrumentation. Clin Chem 1986;32:470-474.
Higgins V, Chan MK, Nieuwesteeg M, Hoffman BR, Bromberg IL, Gornall D, Randell E, Adeli K. Transference of CALIPER pediatric reference intervals to biochemical assays on the Roche cobas 6000 and the Roche Modular P. Clin Biochem. 2016 Jan;49(1-2):139-49. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2015.08.018. Epub 2015 Aug 19. PMID: 26297116.
Spectrophotometric with pyridoxal phosphate activation
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.