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Test Code LAB5026 Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker, Serum

Important Note

Mayo's test code: AFP

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker, S

Specimen Type

Serum


Ordering 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 days

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reference 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.(See literature reference: Wu JT, Book L, Sudar K. Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in normal infants. Pediatr Res. 1981;15(1):50-52) For further 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

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.