Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

The algorithm for performing the study is similar to the sampling for ALT. The patient pays for the collection and processing of biomaterial with the calculation of indicators.

• As a biomaterial, blood is taken from a vein.
• In laboratories, vacuum sampling systems are used - vacutainer tubes. The gel phase acts as a preservative, no anticoagulant is used.
• A UV kinetic test is carried out.
• The results are written in units of measurement "U/l".

The AST blood test is part of the "liver tests" and must be compared with the results of other studies for an accurate diagnosis.

In our laboratory in Kyiv, patients can receive the service in comfortable conditions, without queues. Experienced staff performs all manipulations quickly and painlessly at a reasonable cost. Even if you are sensitive to blood sampling procedures, we will take care of your well-being.

The aspartate aminotransferase index can be influenced by various factors: age, medication and dietary supplements, physical and emotional stress. Moreover, before testing for aspartate aminotransferase, ultrasound, and x-ray studies, physiotherapy should be excluded.

The abundance of fatty foods, alcohol, and nicotine can also “blur the picture”, therefore, in 5 days it is worth removing strong drinks, fatty and spicy foods from the diet. Do not smoke 30 minutes before blood sampling.

Blood from a vein is taken on an empty stomach so that the interval since the last meal was at least 8-14 hours. In rare cases, blood sampling at intervals of 6 hours is acceptable, provided that there was a light, low-calorie snack.

You can drink water, but leave coffee tea, energy drinks for later.

To determine the concentration of AST, the blood is subjected to UV kinetic analysis. The analyte is first subjected to transformation and after oxidation. The rate of oxidation under the action of reagents is used to judge the concentration of the enzyme in serum. The concentration in the UV method is determined photometrically at a wavelength of 340 nm.

This type of study is in demand for its informativeness: it can show the beginning of pathological processes in many organs and tissues.

We remind you that the results of the tests themselves, in isolation from the collected anamnesis and other diagnostic studies, are not very informative. Many factors can "shift" the norm for a particular person.

Only a competent specialist who can see the real clinical picture in the context of all the data received on the patient can interpret the results of an AST blood test and provide constructive advice.

If the ALT level was analyzed in parallel and one of the results went beyond the reference values, then the de Ritis coefficient is calculated. Depending on its indicator, they will look for problems on the part of hepatocytes or the cardiovascular system.

What AST shows: if with a parallel test of ALT and AST, only the indicators of the second enzyme are increased, this is a signal of myocardial damage. AST in this case rises 8-10 times, while ALT only 1.5-2 times.

At the same time, pregnancy can lead to a decrease in indicators, injections, dietary supplements, excessive physical activity - to an increase in indicators.

Reference, that is, acceptable for the level of AST in the blood plasma:

• In men, indicators up to 37 U / l are considered the norm;
• in women - up to 30 U / l.

It is important to remember that in adults, indicators during the day can deviate by 10% -30% and this is a variant of the norm. For monitoring, AST analysis is done at intervals of 48 hours.

Use the services of the laboratory of the clinic MC "Dobrobut". You just need to get a referral for a blood test for aspartate aminotransferase from your doctor and call us. We will tell you when you need to come to the laboratory, the price of the analysis, and how long it takes to process the results.

Modern equipment, affordable cost, and professional doctors - all this allows you to get results in a short time, with a high degree of reliability. For an AST blood test, the price is comparable to other similar offers, making the study available to anyone.

If you have any questions or need advice, please contact our clinic! You can get information on the website of the clinic in Kyiv, leaving a phone number for a call back from our administrator. Aspartate aminotransferase analysis is performed during the working day, so you will receive a specialist's opinion as quickly as possible.

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4. McGill MR. The past and present of serum aminotransferases and the future of liver injury biomarkers. EXCLI J. 2016;15:817-828. Published 2016 Dec 15.