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HelpTest Code LAB5026 Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This test is used as a tumor marker and is not intended for the detection of neural tube defects. For testing amniotic fluid specimens, order AFPA / Alpha-Fetoprotein, Amniotic Fluid.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Special Instructions
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Specimen Retention Time
14 daysReport Available
1 to 3 daysReference Values
<8.4 ng/mL
Reference values are for nonpregnant subjects only; fetal production of alpha-fetoprotein elevates values in pregnant women.
Range for newborns is not available, but concentrations over 100,000 ng/mL have been reported in normal newborns, and the values rapidly decline in the first 6 months of life.(Wu JT, Book L, Sudar K. Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in normal infants. Pediatr Res. 1981;15(1):50-52) For additional interpretive information, see Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP).
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method.
Useful For
Follow-up management of patients undergoing cancer therapy, especially for testicular and ovarian tumors and for hepatocellular carcinoma
Often used in conjunction with human chorionic gonadotropin.(2)
This test is not recommended as a screening procedure for cancer detection in the general population.
This test is not intended for the detection of neural tube defects.
This test is not useful for patients with pure seminoma or dysgerminoma.
CPT Code Information
82105
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| AFP | Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker, S | 53962-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| AFP | Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker, S | 53962-7 |
Method Description
The test is performed on the Beckman Coulter UniCel DXI 800. The Beckman Coulter Access alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) immunoassay is a 2-site immunoenzymatic sandwich assay. A specimen is added to a reaction vessel with mouse monoclonal anti-AFP alkaline phosphatase conjugate, and paramagnetic particles coated with a second mouse monoclonal anti-AFP antibody. The AFP in the specimen binds to the immobilized monoclonal anti-AFP on the solid phase while, at the same time, the monoclonal anti-AFP-alkaline phosphatase conjugate reacts with different antigenic sites on the specimen AFP. After incubation in a reaction vessel, materials bound by the solid phase are held in a magnetic field while unbound materials are washed away. A chemiluminescent substrate is added to the reaction vessel and light generated by the reaction is measured with a luminometer. The light production is directly proportional to the amount of AFP in the specimen. The amount of analyte in the specimen is determined by means of a stored multipoint calibration curve.(Package insert: Access AFP. Beckman Coulter Inc.; 04/2020)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.