Preferred Specimen(s) 1.0 mL Serum
Instruction 12 hours fasting is required
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature Refrigerated 8 days
Reject Criteria
- Gross hemolysis,
- Hyperlipemia
Methodology Nephelometry
Clinical Significance There are two major forms of Apolipoprotein B, B-100 and B-48. B-100, synthesized in the liver, is the major protein in VLDL, IDL, and LDL cholesterol. B-48, synthesized in the intestines, is essential for the assembly and secretion of chlyomicrons. Patients with increased concentrations of Apolipoprotein B are at increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) / (SGOT)
Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
- Ambient 5 days,
- Refrigerated 2 weeks
Reject Criteria
- Gross hemolysis
- Anticoagulants other than heparin
Methodology Spectrophotometry (SP)
Clinical Significance AST is widely distributed throughout the tissues with significant amounts being in the heart and liver. Lesser amounts are also found in skeletal muscles, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lungs, and brain. Injury to these tissues results in the release of the AST enzyme to the general circulation. In myocardial infarction, serum AST may begin to rise within 6-8 hours after onset, peak within two days and return to normal by the fourth or fifth day post infarction. An increase in serum AST is also found with hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and liver metastasis.