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Alpha Fetoprotein, Non-Pregnant, Blood

AFP, Alphafetoprotein, Alpha Fetoprotein (Non-Pregnant)

Test Codes

Antrim: 30020, EPIC: LAB5799, AFPNP

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within four hours of collection. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Plasma specimens. 
• Severely lipemic, icteric, or grossly hemolyzed specimens. 
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated. 

 

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of four hours. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 24 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 year

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory
Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available within 2 business days.

Reference Range

Age	Males (ng/mL)	Non-Pregnant Females (ng/mL)
0-1 month	0.6-16387	0.6-18964
1-12 months	0.6-28.3	0.6-77.0
1-3 years	0.6-7.9	0.6-11.1
4-6 years	0.6-5.6	0.6-4.2
7-12 years	0.6-3.7	0.6-5.6
13-18 years	0.6- 3.9	0.6- 4.2
Adult	Less than 8.5	Less than 8.5

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay.

Interpretation

AFP levels are elevated in a number of benign diseases and conditions including pregnancy and non-hepatic neoplasms.

AFP levels are also increased during rapid liver regeneration (e.g., after acute hepatitis).

In hepatocellular carcinoma alpha-fetoprotein concentrations of greater than 500 ng/mL are considered diagnostic. Measurement of AFP after chemotherapy or surgery provides an early warning of recurrence as much as six months prior to the appearance of other clinical signs. Persistent or increased AFP levels, after surgery or chemotherapy may indicate incomplete removal, spread of tumor, or metastases. Decreased AFP levels may follow surgery or chemotherapy.

Increased AFP levels have been observed in patients with non-seminomatous testicular cancers. Serial AFP measurements can facilitate the clinical management of these non-seminomatous neoplasms because levels increase during progression of the carcinoma and decline during successful therapy of remission. Continued elevations or a rise in AFP levels after treatment strongly suggests residual disease or recurrence. Continued elevations after orchiectomy (removal of testis) suggest that the disease is at stage II or beyond.

Half Life in Blood: 5 days.

Clinical Utility

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is of importance in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and is used as a tumor marker in non-seminomatous testicular carcinomas. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is not recommended as a screening test to detect the presence of cancer in the general population.

Pregnancy causes elevation of AFP.

Reference

1. Soldin SJ, Hicks JM, Godwin ID, et al. Pediatric reference ranges for alpha-fetoprotein. (Abstract.) Clin Chem 1992; 38:959.

CPT Codes

82105
LOINC: 53962-7

Contacts

Last Updated

10/3/2023