α-Fetoprotein (AFP), Maternal Serum for Open Spina Bifida

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC61705Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 010801CPT Code 82105

α-Fetoprotein (AFP), Maternal Serum for Open Spina Bifida

Also known as: AFP, Maternal Serum, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Maternal Serum for Open Spina Bifida, Maternal Serum α-Fetoprotein, msAFP

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

Screening test for open neural tube defects. Detects 80% of open spina bifida and 90% of anencephaly. Please note that this test does not provide screening for Down syndrome or trisomy 18.

Special Instructions

The test requires detailed patient information including gestational age, date of gestational age determination, method of determination (LMP, EDD, US), patient's weight, date of birth, race (white, black, other), and insulin-dependent diabetic status. Accurate information is essential for interpreting results accurately. Specimens must be collected before amniocentesis to avoid contamination with fetal blood.

Limitations

This is a screening test and does not confirm the presence of neural tube defects. A positive result prompts additional diagnostic testing. It does not screen for Down syndrome or trisomy 18 and cannot detect closed neural tube defects.

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

α-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Analyte

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

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

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

48802-3

Result Codes

31993-9
41274-2
18185-9
21299-3
43993-5
21484-1
29463-7
44877-9
45371-2
1834-1
20450-3
48803-1
49246-2
8251-1
8262-8
11502-2

Result Turnaround Time

2-5 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

Gel-barrier tube

Collection Instructions

Collect in serum separator tube with gel barrier. Allow blood to clot, avoiding hemolysis. Separate serum from cells by centrifugation. Transport spun tube to testing laboratory. Pour-off is not advised. Maternal serum specimens must be drawn prior to amniocentesis to avoid contamination with fetal blood.