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HelpTest Code DCPSO Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, Serum
Additional Codes
Mayo Test Code: DCP
Reporting Name
Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, SUseful For
Risk assessment of patients with chronic liver disease for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Aiding in the monitoring of HCC patients post therapy if the des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin level was elevated prior to therapy
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For diagnostic use, this test is most cost-effective for at-risk patients with normal levels of total and L3 alpha fetoprotein in serum. For more information see L3AFP / Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reference Values
<7.5 ng/mL
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
83951
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| DCP | Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S | 34444-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| DCP | Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S | 34444-0 |
Cautions
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.
Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method. Do not interpret des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. Results should be used in conjunction with information from the clinical evaluation of the patient, cytology, and imaging procedures.
DCP producing tumors other than hepatocellular carcinoma can show elevated DCP values.
Liver disease caused by other etiologies such as alcohol liver disease, hematochromatosis, Wilson disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and steatohepatitis have not been studied with this assay.
Medication containing vitamin K preparations may cause a negative bias with DCP values.
Medication containing vitamin K antagonist or antibiotic may cause a positive bias with DCP values.
Report Available
1 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 weeksReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Isotachophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Oncology Test Request (T729)