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Alphafetoprotein, Maternal
Test CodeLAB692
Preferred Specimen
Serum drawn in short SST 3.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 full 3.5 mL SST Container
Instructions
Routine venipuncture. 3.5 mL Gold top serum separator tube.
The State has specified and asked us to only use this tube for the AFP.
The State has specified and asked us to only use this tube for the AFP.
Transport Container
Transport spun SST original 3.5 mL container
Transport Temperature
Room Temp
Keep specimen at room temperature, do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep specimen at room temperature, do not refrigerate or freeze.
Specimen Stability
Send spun in Gold top serum separator tube.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Tubes labled with anything other than the label from the State of California AFP Program Requisition. Insufficent Quantity; Tube larger than short 3.5 mL SST
Methodology
Referred to: State of California AFP Program/Allied Labs
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Varies. Report will be sent directly to the authorizing provider from the CA State AFP program. No results will post on the lab order in the information system.
Clinical Significance
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening test:
AFP is a protein produced mainly in the fetal liver and released into the maternal serum
(MSAFP) and amniotic fluid. A small amount crosses the placenta and becomes measurable in
the maternal serum towards the end of the first trimester. Levels rise steadily through the second
trimester. In most fetuses affected with open spina bifida or anencephaly, an increased amount
of MSAFP enters the amniotic fluid. It subsequently causes a higher-than-expected level of
MSAFP in the maternal serum.
AFP is a protein produced mainly in the fetal liver and released into the maternal serum
(MSAFP) and amniotic fluid. A small amount crosses the placenta and becomes measurable in
the maternal serum towards the end of the first trimester. Levels rise steadily through the second
trimester. In most fetuses affected with open spina bifida or anencephaly, an increased amount
of MSAFP enters the amniotic fluid. It subsequently causes a higher-than-expected level of
MSAFP in the maternal serum.
