Aspartate Aminotransferase in Refrigerated Serum
NHANES 2007-2008
Laboratory Procedure Manual
Analyte: Aspartate Aminotransferase
(AST)
Matrix: Refrigerated Serum
Method: Beckman UniCel® DxC800 Synchron
Method No.:
Revised:
as performed by: Collaborative Laboratory Services, L.L.C
Contact:
Important Information for Users
Collaborative Laboratory Services periodically refines these laboratory methods. It is
the responsibility of the user to contact the person listed on the title page of each write-
up before using the analytical method to find out whether any changes have been made
and what revisions, if any, have been incorporated.
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Public Release Data Set Information
This document details the Lab Protocol for testing the items listed in the following table:
File Name Variable Name SAS Label
BIOPRO_E LBXSASSI Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (U/L)
There was a change in instruments in 2008. In 2007 the Beckman Synchron LX20 was used and in 2008 the
Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxC800 was used. The methods used in 2007 are described in a separate document
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1. SUMMARY OF TEST PRINCIPLE AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The DxC uses an enzymatic rate method to measure the AST activity in serum or plasma. In the reaction,
the AST catalyzes the reversible transamination of L-aspartate and α-ketoglutarate to oxaloacetate and
L-glutamate. The oxaloacetate is then reduced to malate in the presence of malate dehydrogenase with the
concurrent oxidation of NADH to NAD. The system monitors the rate of change in absorbance at 340 nm
over a fixed-time interval. The rate of change in absorbance is directly proportional to the AST activity in the
sample.
AST measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of liver and heart diseases.
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Consider all plasma or serum specimens potentially positive for infectious agents including HIV and the
hepatitis B virus. We recommend the hepatitis B vaccination series for all analysts working with whole blood
and/or plasma. Observe universal precautions; wear protective gloves, laboratory coats. Place disposable
plastic, glass, and paper (pipette tips, gloves, etc.) that contact plasma and any residual sample material in a
biohazard bag and keep these bags in appropriate containers until disposal by maceration chlorination.
Wipe down all work surfaces with Germicidal Disposable Wipe when work is finished.
Handle acids and bases with extreme care; they are caustic and toxic. Handle organic solvents only in a
well-ventilated area or, as required, under a chemical fume hood.
Reagents and solvents used in this study include those listed in Section 6. Material safety data sheets
(MSDSs) for these chemicals are readily accessible as hard copies in the lab.
3. COMPUTERIZATION; DATA SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
a. Microsoft Excel software on a PC and our Laboratory Information Systems (L.I.S.) are used to
manage the data. The test is analyzed on a Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxC800 Synchron Clinical
System. The DxC800 is interfaced to the Laboratory Information Systems (L.I.S.) with a bi-
directional interface. After tests are completed, the results will go to the L.I.S. Host Computer
Interface to be verified by qualified analyst.
b. Reflex testing is set up in the L.I.S. to order a repeat of any critical result, to verify abnormal values.
c. Statistical evaluation of the runs are accomplished with Microsoft Excel software on a PC.
d. A result file is generated in the L.I.S. database. The file is opened and copied to an Excel
spreadsheet for evaluation. The run numbers, and date specimens were received are entered into
the Excel file. The Excel spreadsheet results file data are copied to the shipment Excel file and
sent using Internet FTP transfer of files or e-mailed to Westat within 21 days of sample receipt.
e. The Excel files containing all raw data and results are backed up once a week using a CD writer or
External drive for storage. Files stored on the L.I.S. network are automatically backed up nightly to
tape.
f. Documentation for data system maintenance is contained in printed copies of data records, as well
as in "system log" files on the local hard drives used for the archival of data.
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4. SPECIMEN COLLECTION, STORAGE, AND HANDLING PROCEDURES; CRITERIA FOR SPECIMEN
REJECTION
a. Interferences:
1) Interference with >30.0 mg/dL bilirubin or >3+ lipemia.
2) Do not use hemolyzed specimens.
3) Specimens with >3+ lipemia should be treated with Lipoclear clarifying agent prior to
analysis (see Lipoclear procedure).
b. Separated serum or plasma should not remain at +15°C to +30°C longer than 8 hours. If assays
are not completed within 8 hours, serum or plasma should be stored at +2°C to +8°C. If assays are
not completed within 48 hours, or the separated sample is to be stored beyond 48 hours, samples
should be frozen at -15°C to -20°C. Frozen samples should be thawed only once. Analyte
deterioration may occur in samples that are repeatedly frozen and thawed.
c. Fasting is not required.
d. A minimum of 0.6 mL serum is needed for the Multi-Analyte Panel.
e. Sample volume for individual test is 23 µl added to 250 µl reagent.
f. Sample is run singly as part of Multi-analyte Biochemistry Panel.
5. PROCEDURES FOR MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS; CRITERIA FOR REJECTION OF
INADEQUATELY PREPARED SLIDES
Not applicable for this procedure
6. EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION, MATERIALS, REAGENT PREPARATION, CALIBRATORS
(STANDARDS), AND CONTROLS
a. Instrumentation: Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxC800 Synchron Clinical System
b. Materials
1) Beckman Micro Tube (Part #448774)
2) S/P Plastic Transfer Pipet (Cat. #P5214-10)
3) S/P Brand Accutube Flange Caps (Cat. #T1226-37)
c. Reagent Preparation: Beckman Synchron System AST Reagent (Part #442665, 200 tests/cartridge
or #476831, 400 tests/cartridge)
1) 200 test cartridge: Prior to use transfer the entire contents of smallest reagent
compartment (C) to largest reagent compartment (A) using a disposable transfer pipette.
Gently invert cartridge several times to mix.
2) 400 test cartridge: Transfer entire contents of one bottle AST (A-reagent) into the largest
compartment (A). Replace cartridge caps and mix gently.
3) Unopened reagent is stable until expiration date when stored at 2-8°C.
4) Premixed reagent is stable for 30 days when installed on the instrument or stored at 2-
8°C, unless the expiration date is exceeded.
5) Do not freeze.
6) Contains sodium azide. Avoid skin contact with reagent. Use water to wash skin.
d. Standards Preparation: None required.
e. Control Material
1) Beckman Triad Custom Unassayed Chemistry Control Serum (Part #465405).
2) Bio-Rad Liquid Unassayed Multiqual (Cat. #697, 699).
- Thaw new bottle weekly. Mix very well, using rocker prior to use.
- Thawed control is stable 7 days. Mix well prior to each use.
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7. CALIBRATION AND CALIBRATION VERIFICATION PROCEDURES
a. Calibrators: None required.
b. Calibration: Calibration is based on physical principles of dilution ratio extinction coefficient and
time. Known samples verify calibration.
8. PROCEDURE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS; CALCULATIONS; INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
a. Preliminaries
1) Enter test in L.I.S. as a part of a panel according to procedure listed in this document (See
Attachment A).
b. Sample Preparation
1) Procedure for labeling Micro tube (CX tube) and transferring serum (See Attachment B).
c. Operation
1) Refer to Operation Procedures for programming controls/patients and loading
sectors/racks in the Beckman Coulter Synchron UniCel DxC 600/800 System
Instructions For Use (IFU) manual or DxC800 and DxC600 Operating Procedure
(See Attachment C for specific procedure for NHANES samples).
d. Recording of Data
1) Operator will review and verify results in the L.I.S.
2) The L.I.S. reorders tests to verify any critical results. These results are stored in the L.I.S.
along with the original results. Original values are used when repeat results match the
original within 3 cv’s.
3) Project supervisor will export data from the L.I.S. into an Excel file. The data is copied in
into another Excel file for further evaluation.
4) An Excel spreadsheet printout of the results for each container ID is made and comments
noted.
5) Project supervisor reviews the results. If problems noted with results or QC, Project
Supervisor investigates and discusses issues if necessary with Laboratory Director.
Repeat samples if necessary.
6) Daily log sheets are completed and any problems or issues noted.
e. Replacement and Periodic Maintenance of Key Components
(See Attachment D for DxC800 Maintenance Schedule).
f. Calculations
Synchron Systems perform all calculations internally to produce the final reported result. The
system will calculate the final result for sample dilutions made by the operator when the dilution
factor is entered into the system during sample programming.
9. REPORTABLE RANGE OF RESULTS
a. Analytical Range:
1) 5-400 IU/L; Up to 2600 IU/L using ORDAC on the DXC800.
2) Samples which are out of ORDAC (Overrange Detection and Correction) range high
should be reanalyzed after doing a manual dilution of the sample. The dilution factor must
be entered into the sample information. If the dilution factor is not entered into the system,
the printout must be multiplied by the dilution factor to obtain the final answer.
3) Limits of detection (LOD) are established by Beckman Coulter and linearity data verifies
the reportable range. Detection of results below the reportable range is not relevant and
formal limit of detection study is unnecessary.
4) Samples with high enzyme activity may consume all of the NADH Substrate before the
first absorbance measurement is taken after sample addition. These samples can either
report very low enzyme activity or suppress the result at “OIR LO”.
5) Samples with results suppressed “OIR LO” should be diluted 1:20 with saline and
reanalyzed.
6) Sensitivity is defined as the lowest measurable concentration which can be distinguished
from zero with 95% confidence. Sensitivity for the AST determination is 5 IU/L.
7) 0 is not a reportable value.
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10. QUALITY CONTROL (QC) PROCEDURES
a. Blind QC Specimens are included in the samples received from NHANES.
b. Beckman Triad Custom Unassayed Chemistry Controls Levels 2 and 3 are assayed in early A.M.
and if a new reagent pack is loaded, controls are assayed again. One level is assayed in middle of
the day and both control levels are assayed after running NHANES sample.
c. BioRad Liquid Unassayed Multiqual Controls Levels 1 and 3 are assayed for CDC-NHANES runs to
allow long term control use. Multiqual controls are analyzed at beginning and end of runs with
CDC-NHANES samples.
d. Acceptable Answer:
1) Controls must be within ±2 S.D.
2) Refer to Quality Control Flow Chart for action decisions guidelines (See Attachment F).
11. REMEDIAL ACTION IF CALIBRATION OR QC SYSTEMS FAIL TO MEET ACCEPTABLE CRITERIA
Remedial action for out of control conditions include examination of the pipetting and detection equipment
and examination of reagent materials. The QC parameters are compared to the patient means to look for
confirmatory or disconfirmatory evidence. When the 2 2s and/or 1 3s rules are violated, samples are
repeated following corrective maintenance or reagent changes.
12. LIMITATIONS OF METHOD; INTERFERING SUBSTANCES AND CONDITIONS
a. Hemoglobin causes falsely elevated AST results. Do not do test if sample is hemolyzed.
b. Bilirubin <30 mg/dL has no significant interference.
c. Lipemia >3+ demonstrates positive interference.
d. Pyruvate demonstrates positive interference.
e. Refer to References for other interferences caused by drugs, disease and preanalytical variables.
13. REFERENCE RANGES (NORMAL VALUES)
AST
Serum or Plasma Reference Range
Age Group IU/L
0-6 Y 18-63
6-10 Y 21-44
10-20 Y 13-38
>20 Y 13-33
Reference Range values were established from wellness participants with an age mix similar to our
patients. These data were analyzed using non-parametric techniques described by Reed (Clin
Chem 1971;17:275) and Herrara (J Lab Clin Med 1958;52:34-42) which are summarized in recent
editions of Tietz’ textbook. Descriptions appear in Clin Chem 1988;34:1447 and Clinics in
Laboratory Medicine June 1993;13:481.
Pediatric Reference Range Guidelines for Synchron Systems- Multicenter study using data from
Montreal, Quebec, Miami, FL and Denver, CO. Beckman 1995
14. CRITICAL CALL RESULTS ("PANIC VALUES")
There are no critical call back values for AST. For this study we will early report results if AST is greater
than 80 IU/L.
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15. SPECIMEN STORAGE AND HANDLING DURING TESTING
Specimens arrive refrigerated. Specimens are kept refrigerated until ready to transfer to Micro tubes.
Capped Micro tubes are kept refrigerated until ready to put on instrument.
Specimen vials are returned to container and refrigerated after transfer of aliquot and double checking of
pour off tubes. Specimen vial container is placed in -70°C Freezer after testing is complete. Micro tubes are
refrigerated, then frozen after analysis.
16. ALTERNATE METHODS FOR PERFORMING TEST OR STORING SPECIMENS IF TEST SYSTEM FAILS
Samples will remain in refrigerator until instrument is back in operation.
17. TEST RESULT REPORTING SYSTEM; PROTOCOL FOR REPORTING CRITICAL CALLS (IF
APPLICABLE)
The collaborating agency with access to patient identifiers or the responsible medical officer receives an
Excel file with all results for a specimen with any critical values. These files with critical values are sent in
advance of results that are not abnormal, unless all results are ready to send at the same time. The earliest
reporting of results would be the day after arrival of specimens. More frequently two to three days after
receiving specimens.
Test results that are not abnormal are reported to the collaborating agency at a frequency and by a method
determined by the study coordinator. Generally, data from this analysis are compiled with results from other
analyses and sent to the responsible person at the collaborating agency as an Excel file, either through
Internet FTP transfer of files or electronic mail or other electronic means.
All data are reported electronically to Westat within 21 days of receipt of specimens.
Internet FTP transfer of files is available and is preferred for data transfer.
18. TRANSFER OR REFERRAL OF SPECIMENS; PROCEDURES FOR SPECIMEN ACCOUNTABILITY AND
TRACKING
In general, when specimens are received, the specimen ID number, and a name identifying the container ID
and slot number is entered into the Laboratory Information System (L.I.S.) database. New barcodes are
printed and the specimens stored in a refrigerator. Samples are aliquoted to a Micro tube with the new
barcodes. The specimen ID is read off of the tube by a barcode reader. Tracked in the database are the
date and time of entry into the L.I.S., date and time analysis completed, and who certified the results.
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets are used to keep records and track specimens with the data taken from the
Laboratory Information System. Logs are kept including information of when samples arrive, are processed
and tested, when frozen after testing, and when returned to NHANES for long term storage.
The Project supervisor is responsible for keeping a logbook containing the ID numbers of specimens
prepared incorrectly, those with labeling problems, and those with abnormal results, together with
information about these discrepancies. It is recommended that records, including related QA/QC data, be
maintained for 10 years after completion of the NHANES study.
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19. SUMMARY STATISTICS AND QC GRAPHS
Summary Statistics for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) by Lot
Standard Coefficient of
Lot N Start Date End Date Mean Deviation Variation
46311 69 1/16/2007 12/24/2007 43.073 0.709 1.6
46313 69 1/16/2007 12/24/2007 251.623 3.114 1.2
46351 72 1/16/2008 1/20/2009 39.924 0.529 1.3
46353 72 1/16/2008 1/20/2009 235.028 2.558 1.1
2007-2008 Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Quality Control
300
46313
46353
250
200
150
100
46311
46351
50
0
1/16/2007 4/26/2007 8/4/2007 11/12/2007 2/20/2008 5/30/2008 9/7/2008 12/16/2008
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REFERENCES
a. Beckman Coulter Synchron Clinical Systems Chemistry Information Manual, 2007.
b. Tietz, N.W. Textbook of Clinical Chemistry, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA (1986).
c. Tietz, N.W., “Specimen Collection and Processing; Sources of Biological Variation,” Textbook of
Clinical Chemistry, 2nd Edition, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA (1994).
d. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Procedures for the Handling and Processing
of Blood Specimens, Approved Guideline, NCCLS publication H18-A, Villanova, PA (1990).
e. Tietz, N.W., ed., Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd Edition, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA
(1995).
f. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, How to Define, Determine, and Utilize
Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory, Approved Guideline, NCCLS publication C28-A,
Villanova, PA (1995).
g. Tietz, N.W., ed., Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, 3rd Edition, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA
(1987).
h. Henry, J.B., ed., Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, 18th Edition, W.B.
Saunders, Philadelphia, PA (1991).
i. Young, D.S., Effects of Drugs on Clinical Laboratory Tests, 4th Edition, AACC Press, Washington,
D.C. (1995).
j. Friedman, R.B. and D.S. Young, Effects of Disease on Clinical Laboratory Tests, 3rd Edition, AACC
Press, Washington, D.C. (1997).
k. Young, D.S., Effects of Preanalytical Variables on Clinical Laboratory Tests, 2nd Edition, AACC
Press, Washington, D.C. (1997).
l. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Method Comparison and Bias Estimation
Using Patient Samples; Approved Guideline, NCCLS publication EP9-A, Villanova, PA (1995).
m. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry
Devices, Tentative Guideline, 2nd Edition, NCCLS publication EP5-T2, Villanova, PA (1992).
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