ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN (AFP) AMNIOTIC FLUID
General Information
HLAB/HOL Code: AFETO
UPHSM LIS Test #: 028704
Schedule:
Testing Time: 2-5 Days
Testing Lab: Labcorp
UPHSM LIS Test #: 028704
Schedule:
Testing Time: 2-5 Days
Testing Lab: Labcorp
Specimen Info
Only 1 specimen type required, unless otherwise specified
Volume: 1.0 mL Amniotic fluid
Temperature: Ambient
Tube Type: Sterile Plastic Conical Tube with Screw Cap
Collection Info:
Container: Sterile plastic conical tube; do not use urine containers or tubes with rubber stoppers. Rubber is toxic to amniocytes.
Collection: Avoid contamination of amniotic fluid with maternal or fetal blood. As little as one drop of fetal blood can cause false-positive results during assay of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid should be collected by the attending physician.
Include the gestational age by ultrasound and/or last menstrual period (LMP) on the request form on the date of draw of the sample. The patient's gestational age must be at least 12 weeks for interpretation of α-fetoprotein. Note that AChE false-positive and false-negative results are more frequent at gestational ages less than 13 weeks. Optimal gestational age is 14 to 18 weeks.
Storage Instructions: Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection: Specimen not amniotic fluid; gross contamination of amniotic fluid with maternal or fetal blood; quantity not sufficient for analysis
Temperature: Ambient
Tube Type: Sterile Plastic Conical Tube with Screw Cap
Collection Info:
Container: Sterile plastic conical tube; do not use urine containers or tubes with rubber stoppers. Rubber is toxic to amniocytes.
Collection: Avoid contamination of amniotic fluid with maternal or fetal blood. As little as one drop of fetal blood can cause false-positive results during assay of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid should be collected by the attending physician.
Include the gestational age by ultrasound and/or last menstrual period (LMP) on the request form on the date of draw of the sample. The patient's gestational age must be at least 12 weeks for interpretation of α-fetoprotein. Note that AChE false-positive and false-negative results are more frequent at gestational ages less than 13 weeks. Optimal gestational age is 14 to 18 weeks.
Storage Instructions: Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection: Specimen not amniotic fluid; gross contamination of amniotic fluid with maternal or fetal blood; quantity not sufficient for analysis
Methods
Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)
Clinical Utilities
Analysis of mid-trimester amniotic fluid for detection of open neural tube defects and ventral wall defects
CPT Codes
82106 (alpha-fetoprotein)
* The CPT codes provided 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 payer being billed.
Reference Range
Interpretive report will be supplied.
