Home
HelpTest Code AFAFPSO Alpha-Fetoprotein, Amniotic Fluid
Additional Codes
Mayo Test Code: AFPA
Reporting Name
Alpha Fetoprotein, AFUseful For
Screening for open neural tube defects or other fetal abnormalities
Follow-up testing for patients with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein results or in conjunction with cytogenetic testing
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACHE_ | Acetylcholinesterase, AF | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
If alpha-fetoprotein is positive, then acetylcholinesterase will be performed at an additional charge.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Amniotic FldNecessary Information
The following information is required:
1. Estimated due date by ultrasound
2. Collection date
3. Gestational age must be between 13 and 24 weeks; 16 to 18 weeks preferred.
If not ordering electronically, provide information on Second Trimester Maternal Screening Alpha-Fetoprotein / Quad Screen Patient Information (T595) and send with specimen.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 0.75 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amniotic Fld | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
< 2.0 multiples of median (MoM)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82106
82013 (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| AFPA | Alpha Fetoprotein, AF | 58735-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6739 | Collection Date | 58734-5 |
| DAT15 | EDD by US Scan | 11781-2 |
| 6740 | Last Menstrual Period (LMP) | 8665-2 |
| 24233 | EDD by LMP | 11779-6 |
| 24239 | GA at Collection by Scan | 11888-5 |
| 24240 | GA at Collection by Dates | 11885-1 |
| 24234 | GA Used | 21299-3 |
| 9950 | Alpha Fetoprotein, AF | 1832-5 |
| 24241 | Results | 29595-6 |
| 24235 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
| 24236 | Additional Comments | 48767-8 |
| 24237 | Follow up | 80615-8 |
| 24238 | General Test Info | 48767-8 |
Cautions
This test is for screening only.
Increases in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are not specific for neural tube defects, and the test must be used in combination with other procedures, such as ultrasonography and acetylcholinesterase measurements.
Elevated AFP levels also can be caused by benign factors and incorrect gestational dating.
Negative results do not guarantee the absence of defects.
In rare cases, some individuals can develop antibodies to mouse or other animal antibodies (often referred to as human anti-mouse antibodies [HAMA] or heterophile antibodies), which may cause interference in some immunoassays. Caution should be used in interpretation of results, and the laboratory should be alerted if the result does not correlate with the clinical presentation.
Report Available
2 to 19 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 weeksReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
AFPA: Immunoenzymatic Assay
ACHE_: Polyacrylamide Electrophoresis
Forms
Second Trimester Maternal Screening Alpha-Fetoprotein / Quad Screen Patient Information (T595) is required.