ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Alpha Fetoprotein, Serum (Tumor Marker) : 0080428

Mnemonic: AFP TM

Methodology: Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Plain red or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells within 4 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: CSF (refer to Alpha Fetoprotein, CSF (Tumor Marker), ARUP test code 0020729) or plasma. Grossly hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 year

Reference Interval:
 
Age Male Female
0-13 days 5,000-105,000 ng/mL 5,000-105,000 ng/mL
14-30 days 300-60,000 ng/mL 300-60,000 ng/mL
1 month 100-10,000 ng/mL 100-10,000 ng/mL
2 months 40-1,000 ng/mL 40-1,000 ng/mL
3 months 11-300 ng/mL 11-300 ng/mL
4 months 5-200 ng/mL 5-200 ng/mL
5 months 0-90 ng/mL 0-90 ng/mL
6-11 months 0-60 ng/mL 0-97 ng/mL
1 year 0-17 ng/mL 0-41 ng/mL
2 years 0-12 ng/mL 0-12 ng/mL
3-6 years 0-5 ng/mL 0-5 ng/mL
7 years and older 0-9 ng/mL 0-9 ng/mL

Interpretive Data: The Beckman Coulter Access DxI AFP method is used. Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. AFP is a valuable aid in the management of nonseminomatous testicular cancer patients when used in conjunction with information available from the clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Increased AFP concentrations have also been observed in ataxia telangiectasia, hereditary tyrosinemia, primary hepatocellular carcinoma, teratocarcinoma, gastrointestinal tract cancers with and without liver metastases, and in benign hepatic conditions such as acute viral hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The result cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. The result is not interpretable as a tumor marker in pregnant females.
Note: Adult males and nonpregnant females:  0.0-9.0 ng/mL
CPT Code(s): 82105
Cross References: AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein, Serum (Tumor Marker))
 
 

 

 

 
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