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Lab Dept:
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Other Fluids
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Test Name:
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AFP, CSF
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General Information
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Lab Order Codes:
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AFPC
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Synonyms:
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Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Spinal fluid
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CPT Codes:
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86316 – Immunoassay for tumor antigen; other antigen, quantitative
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Test Includes:
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AFP CSF concentration reported in ng/mL.
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Logistics
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Test Indications:
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Useful as an adjunct in the diagnosis of CNS germinomas and meningoceal carcinomatosis. Evaluating germ-cell tumors, including testicular cancer metastatic to the CNS in conjunction with beta-hCG measurement. An adjunct in distinguishing between suprasellar dysgerminomas and craniopharyngiomas. A supplement to cerebrospinal fluid cytologic analysis.
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Lab Testing Sections:
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Chemistry - Sendouts
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Referred to:
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Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML Test: 8876/AFPSF)
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Phone Numbers:
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MIN Lab: 612-813-6280
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STP Lab: 651-220-6550
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Test Availability:
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Daily, 24 hours
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Turnaround Time:
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1 - 3 day, test set up Monday - Saturday
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Special Instructions:
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N/A
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Specimen
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Specimen Type:
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Spinal fluid
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Container:
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Screw capped, sterile vial
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Draw Volume:
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0.5 mL (Minimum:0.5 mL) CSF
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Processed Volume:
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Same as Draw Volume
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Collection:
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Routine spinal fluid collection
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Special Processing:
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Lab Staff: Freeze specimen in plastic vial and send frozen.
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Patient Preparation:
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None
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Sample Rejection:
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Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens; warm specimens
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Interpretive
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Reference Range:
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<1.5 ng/mL
Reference range for newborns is not available.
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Critical Values:
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N/A
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Limitations:
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Malignancy may occur without elevation of AFP concentration. AFP elevation occurs in approximately 70% of CNS germinomas. Measurement of beta-hCG is recommended to improve sensitivity of detection.
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Methodology:
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Two-site Immunoenzymatic (Sandwich)
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Contraindications:
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N/A
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References:
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Mayo Medical Web Page June 2013
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For serum ranges, see literature references: Ped Res 15:50-52(1981); Scand J Immunol 8(Supplement 8): 235-238
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