AFP TUMOR MARKER
Test:
335
CPT:
82105
Synonyms
1-AFP, Serum
2-Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker
Special Instructions
If patient is pregnant, include approximate gestational age on the test request form and order test 010801. Values obtained with different assay methodologies should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor a patient’s course of therapy. This procedure does not provide serial monitoring; it is intended for one-time use only. If serial monitoring is required, please use the serial monitoring number 480012 to order.
This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Within 1 day
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Citrate plasma specimen; improper labeling
Test Details
Use
The most important application of AFP testing in cancer management is for testicular cancer. Although not present in pure seminoma,1 elevated serum AFP is closely associated with nonseminomatous testicular cancer.2-4 The measurement of AFP in serum, in conjunction with serum hCG, is an established regimen for monitoring patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancer.5-8 In addition, monitoring the rate of AFP clearance from serum after treatment is an indicator of the effectiveness of therapy.9,10 Conversely, the growth rate of progressive cancer can be monitored by serially measuring serum AFP concentration over time.11 Serial serum AFP testing is a useful adjunctive test for managing nonseminomatous testicular cancer.