Alpha Fetoprotein (Tumor Marker)
Tests:Alpha Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker
Overview | |
|---|---|
| Department | Biochemistry |
| Test Code | TAFP |
| Synonyms | Tumour Marker (AFP)
AFP (tumour marker) |
| Availability | Performed Mon-Fri. Available out of hours except weekends and public holidays |
| Turnaround Time | 1 hour to 3 days. |
| Stability – Add test | 24 hours |
Specimen Requirements | |
| Specimen | Serum |
| Preferred | Plain Yellow-top or Red-Top tube |
| Acceptable | tube |
| Unacceptable | Plasma samples |
| Paediatric Requirements | 0.5 mL paediatric Red-Top |
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 | Abbott Alinity CI 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. | |