Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
Specimen Transport
N/A
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Usual
Sample Preparation
Centrifuge as per normal procedures
Turnaround Time
7 daysSample Stability
4 ºC
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
General Information
AFP is used in the detection and monitoring of primary liver cell carcinomas which often develop secondary to liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Increased AFP found in more than 90% of all patients with primary liver cell carcinoma. Increased AFP concentrations are also associated with germinal tumours. A direct relationship between serum levels and the disease stage has been determined in non-seminomatous testicular carcinoma and primary liver cell carcinoma. High AFP levels indicate a large tumour mass and a poor prognosis. Pure seminomas dysgerminomas and differentiated teratomas are always AFP -ve. Whereas pure yolk sac tumours are always AFP +ve. In germinal tumours, both AFP and hCG should be determined in parallel.
AFP is also used clinically as part of the risk assessment for Down's Syndrome and neural tube defects.
Patient Preparation
Samples from patients receiving high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) should be taken at least 8 hours post dose. Please inform the laboratory if the patient has been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or may have received them for diagnostic purposes.
Notes
Pathology Harmony have recently issued guidance on appropriate tumour marker requesting. For information please click on the following link:
http://www.pathologyharmony.co.uk/harmony-bookmark-v7.pdf
If you would like some copies of the bookmark please contact the Duty Biochemist (bleep 2506).
Reference Range
0.7-7.3 kU/L(when used as a tumour marker)
(Source: Abbott Diagnostics)
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
-
EQA Status:
NEQAS