SGOT (AST-Aspartate Aminotransferase)

SGOT (AST-Aspartate Aminotransferase)

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB131
SGOT

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

UV Absorbance

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours – STAT upon request

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum or plasma

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Room Temperature: 24 hours
• Refrigerated: 5 Days

Causes for Rejection

Hemolysis

CPT Codes

84450

An initial step in detecting liver damage is to determine the presence of certain liver enzymes in the blood. Under normal circumstances, these enzymes reside within the cells of the liver. However, when the liver is injured, these enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), spill into the blood stream, signifying liver damage. AST (SGOT) is found in a variety of organs, including the liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and brain. It is released into serum when any one of these tissues is damaged. For example, its serum level rises with heart attacks and with muscle disorders. It is, therefore, not a highly specific indicator of liver injury.