Test Code DCP Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For diagnostic use, this test is most cost-effective for at-risk patients with normal levels of total and L3 alpha fetoprotein in serum. For more information see L3AFP / Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Specimen Retention Time
2 weeksReport Available
1 to 4 daysReference Values
<7.5 ng/mL
Useful For
Risk assessment of patients with chronic liver disease for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Aiding in the monitoring of HCC patients post therapy if the des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin level was elevated prior to therapy
CPT Code Information
83951
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| DCP | Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S | 34444-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| DCP | Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S | 34444-0 |
Method Description
Testing is performed using the uTASWako i30 instrument and the uTASWako DCP Immunological Test System and reagents. Sample is added to the reagent well with the fluorescent dye labeled anti-human prothrombin antibody (mouse monoclonal) to form the primary immunocomplex. The second labeled antibody solution, anion-conjugated anti-human des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) antibody (mouse monoclonal), is concentrated by isotachophoresis when voltage is applied. The concentrated anion-conjugated antibody then reacts with the primary immunocomplex to form the secondary immunocomplex. This secondary complex is further concentrated during isotachophoresis and is separated from unbound fluorescent dye-labeled antibody by capillary gel electrophoresis. The remaining dye labeled DCP is measured by laser-induced fluorescence. The concentration of DCP in the specimen is directly proportional to the amount of fluorescence.(Package insert: uTASWako i30 DCP. Wako Diagnostics; version 23.02.17K16, 02/2023)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Oncology Test Request (T729)