Kenya Medical Laboratory Tests

SGOT/AST Test in Kenya

Brief Description

It is a blood test used to diagnose liver disorders.AST is a liver enzyme released in the blood when the liver is damaged

Synonyms

aspartate aminotransferase ","Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase"," SGOT"," Transaminases

Patient Preparation

Does not require any special preparation prior to testing

Sample Type

Plasma or serum

Sample volume

1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml

Sample collection Container

Gel-barrier"," red-top or green top tube (lithium heparin). Avoid using EDTA"," oxalate or citrate p

Sample collection instructions

The plasma or serum should be separated from the cells within 45 minutes of sample collection

Sample storage

Sample storage at room temperature is preferred

Reference range

Between 8 and 45 units per liter (U/L) of serum

Results Turnaround

Within one day of receipt of samples

Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators

Increased AST is an indication of diseases of the hepatocyte"," alcoholic hepatitis"," hemochromatosis"," carbon tetrachloride toxicity and in Reye Syndrome. Low levels of AST indicate uremia"," vitamin B6 deficiency or uptake of metronidazole