A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker
Test Code237
CPT Codes
82105
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Please note: Do not use this Test Code for evaluation of open neural tube defects and Down syndrome. See Test Code 5059.
Administration of STRENSIQ may interfere in certain assays and may falsely elevate values. For patients receiving STRENSIQ, consideration should be given to using alternate methods.
Sputum, Synovial Fluid, Cyst Fluid, and Vitreous Fluid are unacceptable for this test.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 45 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 45 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly lipemic
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 2-3 days
Limitations
Patients who have received monoclonal mouse antibodies may have abnormal results. For any patient taking a high dose of biotin, the specimen should be drawn at least eight hours after the last dose.
Reference Range
Male (ng/mL) | Female (ng/mL) | |
<1 Month* | 0.5-16387.0 | 0.5-18964.0 |
1-11 Months | 0.5-28.3 | 0.5-77.0 |
1-3 Years | 0.5-7.9 | 0.5-11.1 |
>3 Years | <6.1 | <6.1 |
The use of AFP as a tumor marker in pregnant females is not recommended.
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.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |