Alpha Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker

Test Code
237


CPT Codes
82105

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Instructions
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.


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 45 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly lipemic


Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule
Sun-Sat


Report Available
1 to 2 Day(s)


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.


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.





The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.