Alpha Fetoprotein (Tumor Marker)
Tests:Alpha Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker
Overview | |
|---|---|
| Department | Biochemistry |
| Test Code | TAFP |
| Synonyms | Tumour Marker (AFP)
AFP (tumour marker) |
| Availability | Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours |
| Turnaround Time | 1 hour to 3 days. |
| Stability – Add test | |
Specimen Requirements | |
| Specimen | Serum
Plasma |
| Preferred | 7 mL Plain Red-Top |
| Acceptable | |
| Unacceptable | |
| Paediatric Requirements | 0.5 mL Li Hep Microtainer |
Aliquot Requirements | |
| Sample | Serum |
| Preferred Volume | >500 µL |
| Minimum Volume | 200 µL |
| Aliquot Transportation | |
| == Clinical Information == | |
| Reference Intervals | 0 - 16 µg/L (non-pregnant)
See comment |
| Test Method | Ci8200 analyser, Abbott Reagent. |
| Advanced Notice | Not required |
| Patient Preparation | Not required |
Comments | |
| This test is useful as a tumour marker and as a safe and effective supplement to the management of patients
undergoing treatment for non-seminomatous testicular cancer and certain germ cell cancers, or for patients being monitored after therapy is complete. The test is NOT a screening test for cancer. The test is NOT intended as a screen for neural tube defects. For the serial monitoring of tumours, tumour markers should be tested in the same laboratory. | |