Blood biochemistry: aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Synonym(s): AST, Serum AST, SAST, Glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase, GOTSerum GOT, SGOT
Overview
- Not organ specific, but highest levels in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, liver.
Uses
Alone
- Investigation of suspected skeletal muscle damage Myopathies.
- Investigation of suspected cardiac ischemia.
In combination
- Liver damage in combination with:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Blood biochemistry: aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Blood biochemistry: alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
- Bile acids Blood biochemistry: bile acids.
- Muscle damage in combination with CK.
Other points
- ALT Blood biochemistry: alanine aminotransferase (SGPT, ALT) is more specific for investigation of liver disease.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Method and reference interval may vary between laboratories.
- Enzymatic methods commonly used.
Availability
- Widely available.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Results only significant when interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical findings.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Ettinger S J & Feldman E C (2000) Eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 5th edn. W B Saunders & Co, USA.
- Kaneko J J, Harvey J W & Brass M L (1997) Eds. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Academic Press, USA.
- Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffey E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa University Press, USA.