| Analyzer |
DxI800 |
| Abbrev |
AFP |
| Analyte |
Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker |
| Department |
Immunoassay |
| Specimen Type |
Serum |
| Alternate Specimen Type |
N/A |
| Specimen Stability Requirements |
Transport refrigerated within 48 hours after collection |
| Preferred Specimen |
1mL Serum |
| Minimum Volume |
0.5mL |
| Collection Instructions |
Maternal serum samples should be obtained between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. Valid measurements of AFP in maternal serum CANNOT be made after amniocentesis. Conditions that may result in an elevated maternal serum AFP are miscalculated gestational age, multiple births, fetal death or distress, other fetal malformations and maternal liver disease. Confirmatory tests such as amniocentesis, sonography, and amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase are often indicated. |
| Specimen Instructions |
Allow serum samples to clot completely before centrifugation. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted to a plastic transport tube within 2 hours of collection. Gel tubes should be spun at room temperature at a speed of 1000 to 1300 RCF for 10 minutes in a swinging bucket centrifuge and 15 minutes in a fixed-angle centrifuge. Non-gel serum tubes can be centrifuged at ≤ 1300 RCF for 10 minutes. After centrifugation refrigerates the samples at 2 to 8°C. |
| Reasons for Rejection |
Improper labeling; quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen type; expired stability. |
| CPT Code |
82105 |
