What is the Lab Name for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Lab Values?
Aspartate Aminotransferase
What is the Lab Abbreviation for Aspartate Aminotransferase?
AST
What is Aspartate Aminotransferase in terms of Nursing Labs?
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme primarily found in liver and heart cells and to a smaller extent, AST can also be found in the pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and brain. Levels of AST increase from cell death (necrosis) because the AST enzyme is released into the blood.
What is the Normal Range for Aspartate Aminotransferase?
12-37 U/L
What are the Indications for Aspartate Aminotransferase?
Monitor progression of:
Liver disease
Response to treatments.
Monitor liver toxic medications
What would cause Increased Levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase?
Liver disease
Liver cancer
Shock
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Pericarditis
Biliary tract obstruction
Dermatomyositis
Pancreatitis
Muscular Dystrophy
CVA
Hemolytic anemia
Delirium Tremens (DT)
What would cause Decreased Levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase?