Name of the test method: SGOT (OT) , Aspartate transaminase (AST) or aspartate

aminotransferaseserum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase

Clinical Application:

AST is similar to alanine transaminase (ALT) in that both enzymes are associated with liver parenchymal
cells. The difference is that ALT is found predominantly in the liver, with clinically negligible quantities
found in the kidneys, heart, and skeletal muscle, while AST is found in the liver, heart (cardiac muscle),
skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. As a result, ALT is a more specific indicator of liver
inflammation than AST, as AST may be elevated also in diseases affecting other organs, such as
myocardial infarction, acute pancreatitis, acute hemolytic anemia, severe burns, acute renal disease,
musculoskeletal diseases, and trauma.

AST was defined as a biochemical marker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in 1954.
However, the use of AST for such a diagnosis is now redundant and has been superseded by the cardiac
troponins.

AST is commonly measured clinically as a part of diagnostic liver function tests, to determine liver
health. Laboratory tests should always be interpreted using the reference range from the laboratory
that performed the test.

Principle of the test:

H. Pylori IgG Test is a double antigen chromatographic lateral flow immunoassay. The device includes:
1.) burgundy-colored conjugate pad containing colloidal gold coupled with H. pylori antigens,2.)
nitrocellulose membrane containing a Test line (T) and a Control line (C). T line is coated with H.pylori
antigens, and the C line is coated with goat anti-H.pylori antibody. When IgG antibodies specific to H.
pylori are present in the specimen, the T line will become burgundy-colored band. If antibodies to H.
pylori are not present or below the detectable level, no T line will develop. The C line should always
appear as a burgundy-colored band regardless of the presence of antibodies to H. pylori.

Specimen collection and storage:

Use the serum for testing. If the specimen cannot be tested on the day of collection, store it in a
refrigerator or freezer. Bring the specimen to normal room temperature prior to testing. Do not freeze
and thaw specimen repeatedly. The test kits can be stored at any temperature between 4-30˚C. Do not
freeze. Stability of the kit under these storage conditions is 24 months.

Quality Control :

The H. pylori IgG test device has a letter of T (Test line) and C (Control line) on the surface of the case.
Both the Test line and Control line in result window are not visible before applying any samples. The C
line serves as an internal qualitative control of the test system to indicate that an adequate volume of
specimen has been applied and the flow occurred.
Reagents, equipments and supplies:

1. H. pylori IgG test device

2. Pipette
3. Centrifuge

Procedural protocol:

1. Remove the test device from pouch.

2. Draw 0.2 ml (4 drops) sample into the pipette and dispense it into the sample well.
3. Wait 5-8 minutes and read results. Do not read results after 10 minutes.

Expected Values:

Majority of individuals exposed to H. pylori is developed IgG antibodies against the organism. It is
reported that H. pylori is universally distributed and an estimated 50% of the world’s population is
colonized by the said organism. A relatively large proportion of patients who have positive levels of IgG
antibodies are asymptomatic even though they are colonized with H. pylori. Therefore, IgG antibodies
levels do not necessarily correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms.

Interpretation of Results:

Negative result : One pink line appears in control line, showing the test has been carried out
correctly. There will be no line in test region.

Positive result: In addition to pink colored control line, a distinct pink colored band will also
appear in the test region.

Invalid Result: A total absence of color in both regions is an indication of procedure error and/or
that the test reagent has deteriorated. The test should be repeated using a new strip.

Sources of errors:

1. Hemolytic samples, rheumatoid factors-contained samples, lipemic and icteric samples can lead
to impairment of results.

2. Using of contaminated pipette tips can cause cross contamination that can cause erroneous
results.
Laboratory safety and waste disposal:

1. Wear gloves during the whole process and avoid reagents or specimen spilling out. Wash hands
thoroughly afterwards.

2. Do not eat or smoke while handling specimen.

3. Wipe out the spills using 5% hypochlorite solution.

4. Decontaminate all liquids or solid wastes before disposing.

5. Dispose all specimens, reaction kits and potentially contaminated materials as if they were
infectious waste in a biohazard container.