About the product
ASTL is an in vitro diagnostic reagent from Roche Diagnostics for the measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). According to Roche’s product page, the test is for the quantitative determination of AST in human serum and plasma, and the method follows IFCC recommendations.
According to the page, the cobas c application works without pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) activation. The COBAS INTEGRA application covers options with and without PLP activation. The product is part of the Roche Diagnostics test kit range supplied by Tilia Medical.
Measured parameter and clinical significance
AST is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. It is also present in the heart, muscles and other tissues. According to MedlinePlus, AST enters the blood when cells are damaged; a blood AST measurement is used to help diagnose liver damage or disease and is often requested together with other liver function tests.
MedlinePlus notes that high AST can point to liver disease. According to the same source, the value can also rise in heart problems. Pancreatitis and surgery are also among the causes.
An AST test is requested in routine checkups, in monitoring treatment of a known liver problem, and in evaluating symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue, or swelling and pain in the abdomen. People with diabetes, obesity, alcohol use disorder or exposure to hepatitis are in a higher-risk group (MedlinePlus).
Technical information
- Sample type (Roche): human serum and plasma
- Method (Roche): IFCC-based; no PLP activation in the cobas c application
- Analyzers (Roche): cobas c 111, cobas c 311, cobas c 501, cobas c 502, COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus
- Pack size (Roche): 500 tests (cobas c 311/501/502 and COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus); 4 x 100 tests (cobas c 111)
- Measuring range: the Roche page gives numerical values only for the COBAS INTEGRA methods; no measuring range is stated for cobas c
Use and compatibility
On the Roche page, ASTL is listed for these systems: cobas c 111; cobas c 311; cobas c 501; cobas c 502; COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus. Roche maintains a separate AST product page for the cobas c 701/702 systems, so the product code must be matched to the analyzer when choosing a platform.
For product, quotation and technical information requests, use the contact form or write to info@tiliamedical.com.
Frequently asked questions
According to Roche, the method follows IFCC recommendations. Pyridoxal phosphate activation is not applied in the cobas c application.
The Roche page lists these systems: cobas c 111; cobas c 311; cobas c 501; cobas c 502; COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus.
According to MedlinePlus, AST is found mainly in the liver. Because it is also present in the heart, muscle and other tissues, a high value does not always originate from the liver.
