Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test - This test measures the level of AST enzyme in the blood, which is found in high amounts in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in muscles and other organs. Damage to these organs can release AST into the bloodstream. It's particularly useful for detecting heart damage (like after a heart attack) and liver diseases such as hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test measures the level of AST enzyme in the blood, which is found in high amounts in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in muscles and other organs. Damage to these organs can release AST into the bloodstream. It's particularly useful for detecting heart damage (like after a heart attack) and liver diseases such as hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Pain in the chest
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Severe fatigue
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Nausea
2–5 business days
<1 Month 3-51 3-49
1-11 Months 3-65 3-79
1-3 Years 3-56 3-69
4-6 Years 20-39 20-39
7-19 Years 12-32 12-32
20-49 Years 10-40
20-44 Years 10-30
≥45 Years 10-35
≥50 Years 10-35
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 4 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 5 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
