Alpha Fetoprotein

Label Mnemonic:	AFP
Epic code:	LAB554
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	82105

Specimen(s):

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Alternate Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

Minimum:

3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or TWO Microtainer^® devices for pediatric patients.

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

                             All units in ng/mL
Age                     Male                   Female
------                  -------------          ------------
0-13 days               5,000 - 105,000        5,000 - 105,000
14-30 days              300 - 60,000           300 - 60,000
1 month                 100 - 10,000           100 - 10,000
2 months                40 - 1,000             40 - 1,000
3 months                11 - 300               11 - 300
4 months                5 - 200                5 - 200
5 months                0 - 90                 0 - 90
6-11 months             0 - 60                 0 - 97
1 year                  0 - 17                 0 - 41
2 years                 0 - 12                 0 - 12
3+ years                0 - 9                  0 - 9

Reference ranges updated 6/30/2011 by addition of pediatric reference 
ranges below 3 years old.

Comments:

Assay updated with increased tolerance to biotin on March 5, 2024.

Please print, complete and submit the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) along with the Laboratory Requisition before shipping the specimen.

Test Limitations:

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 2200 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 2200 mg/dL).

Lipemia: No significant interference up to an L index of 1500 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 3000 mg/dL). Note there is poor correlation between turbidity and triglyceride concentration.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 65 (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 65 mg/dL).

Methodology:

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

82105

See Additional Information:
Biotin Interference with Immunoassays