Proven Diagnostics Test Catalog

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AFP, MATERNAL SERUM
Test code:
 MSAFP
Specimen type:
 Serum (preferred) or plasma
Tube type / collection container:
Specimen collection notes:
 Serum preferred; plasma also acceptable for AFP but not for other markers. If collecting specimen in microtainers, collect five FULL serum separator or plasma separator microtainers.
What to submit:
2 mL aliquot serum or plasma; minimum 0.5 mL. Need completed maternal serum screen form with LMP, etc.
Patient preparation:
 None.
 
Specimen Processing Instructions:
Centrifuge and submit 2 mL serum or plasma.
Transport temperature:
 Refrigerated (preferred) or frozen.
Specimen stability:
 Stable five (5) days at 2-8°C or one (1) month at -20°C.
Rejection criteria:
 If stability limit is exceeded or if specimen is lipemic, icteric, or hemolyzed.
 
Reference range:
 Screen negative (normal risk).
Alert limits:
 None.
CPT code(s):
 82105
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.  The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
When performed:
 Daily, Monday - Friday
Test includes:
 Alpha-fetoprotein value and multiple of the median with interpretive report for risk of open neural tube defect.
Methodology:
EIA + Alpha (risk calculation software)
Synonyms:
Maternal serum prenatal screen for neural tube defect (NTD)
Alphafetoprotein
Clinical Significance:
Performance of maternal serum AFP is a useful screen for detection of open neural tube defects in women who have had early amniocentesis, CVS or first-trimester serum screening. The AFP marker used singly is not recommended for use in screening for Down syndrome or other chromosome abnormalities. Much greater sensitivity is achieved with use of multiple markers in triple screen (AFP, HCG, estriol) or quad screen (AFP, HCG, estriol and dimeric inhibin A) as recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.