NURSING 119 WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LABORATORY
TEST REFERENCE LATEST STUDY GUIDE 2026
1. Normal Range of Lab Value
• Males: 10–40 U/L
• Females: 7–35 U/L
• Newborns: 13–45 U/L
2. Purpose of the Test
• Helps diagnose liver disease
• Monitors liver function
3. Two Factors That Affect Laboratory Results
• Certain medications (salicylates, heparin)
• Obesity
4. Three Signs & Symptoms of Increased Levels
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine
5. Three Signs & Symptoms of Decreased Levels
• Fatigue (may indicate overall low liver function)
• Generalized weakness
• Subtle signs of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B6)
, 6. Two Implications for Each Test
• High ALT levels suggest liver disease (hepatitis, alcohol damage)
• Low ALT levels are uncommon but could indicate nutrient deficiencies
7. Pre-Test and Post-Test Instructions for a Client
• Pre-Test: Explain purpose, follow blood-draw procedures
• Post-Test: Resume normal activities, review results
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test
1. Normal Range of Lab Value
• Men: 14–20 U/L
• Women: 10–36 U/L
• Newborns: 47–150 U/L
• Children: 9–50 U/L
2. Purpose of the Test
• Helps diagnose liver damage, heart disease, and muscle injury
• Monitors tissue damage from injury or disease
3. Two Factors That Affect Laboratory Results
• Medications and alcohol use
• Hemolyzed blood samples
TEST REFERENCE LATEST STUDY GUIDE 2026
1. Normal Range of Lab Value
• Males: 10–40 U/L
• Females: 7–35 U/L
• Newborns: 13–45 U/L
2. Purpose of the Test
• Helps diagnose liver disease
• Monitors liver function
3. Two Factors That Affect Laboratory Results
• Certain medications (salicylates, heparin)
• Obesity
4. Three Signs & Symptoms of Increased Levels
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine
5. Three Signs & Symptoms of Decreased Levels
• Fatigue (may indicate overall low liver function)
• Generalized weakness
• Subtle signs of nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B6)
, 6. Two Implications for Each Test
• High ALT levels suggest liver disease (hepatitis, alcohol damage)
• Low ALT levels are uncommon but could indicate nutrient deficiencies
7. Pre-Test and Post-Test Instructions for a Client
• Pre-Test: Explain purpose, follow blood-draw procedures
• Post-Test: Resume normal activities, review results
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test
1. Normal Range of Lab Value
• Men: 14–20 U/L
• Women: 10–36 U/L
• Newborns: 47–150 U/L
• Children: 9–50 U/L
2. Purpose of the Test
• Helps diagnose liver damage, heart disease, and muscle injury
• Monitors tissue damage from injury or disease
3. Two Factors That Affect Laboratory Results
• Medications and alcohol use
• Hemolyzed blood samples
