Test Directory

Test Code
AFPP
Test Name
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker
CPT Codes
82105
Included Tests
  • Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Elevation of serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) may occur 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.

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.6 mL

Collection Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

8 hours

Refrigerated

7 days

Frozen

One month

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

One freeze/thaw cycle

Methodology
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Reference Intervals
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily