Alpha-Fetoprotein Tumor Marker

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB559
  • Soft Test Code:
  • AFPTM
Clinical Significance

Elevation of serum AFP above values found in healthy individuals occurs in several malignant diseases, most notably nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP is not recommended as a screening procedure to detect cancer in the general population.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Patient should discontinue taking Biotin, Vitamin B7, or Vitamin H 48 hours before getting blood drawn.


Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

1.0 mL Serum in a SST Gold Top Tube
Minimum Volume:
0.25 mL Serum*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient: 5 Days
  • Refrigerated: 14 Days
  • Frozen (-20 C or colder): 3 Months

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Adult <8.1 ng/mL

The use of AFP as a tumor marker in pregnant females is not recommended.


Test Comments:

Patients taking vitamin supplements containing doses of >5 mg/day may have falsely decreased test results generated.


Methodology:
  • Electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA)

Clinical Significance

Elevation of serum AFP above values found in healthy individuals occurs in several malignant diseases, most notably nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP is not recommended as a screening procedure to detect cancer in the general population.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Chemistry
Turn Around Time

Same day/next day


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01423958


CPT Coding

82105


Medical Necessity May Apply