Alpha Fetoprotein, Serum (Tumor Marker)

Also known as: AFP TM

Clinical Use

Use

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is a valuable marker for the surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma and nonseminomatous testicular cancer patients. It is used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Increased AFP concentrations can also be observed in patients with ataxia telangiectasia, hereditary tyrosinemia, primary hepatocellular carcinoma, teratocarcinoma, gastrointestinal tract cancers (with or without liver metastases), and benign hepatic conditions such as acute viral hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, and cirrhosis. However, AFP cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The result cannot be interpreted as a tumor marker in pregnant females. Results from this test cannot be used interchangeably with those obtained from other assay methods or kits. It is crucial to use this test in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures for accurate management. The presence of increased AFP levels does not definitively indicate the presence or absence of malignant diseases, highlighting the need for comprehensive diagnostic assessments.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

AFP

Analyte

Concentration / Level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

53962-7 - AFP-TM SerPl-mCnc

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Container

ARUP Standard Transport Tube

Collection Instructions

Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells within 4 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.