Alpha fetoprotein (tumour marker)

Diagnostic Use

AFP is a plasma protein produced in large amounts by the developing fetus. AFP levels in adults are usually low, however some tumours are known to express AFP.

Indications for testing
Monitoring of tumours known to express AFP (most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma and some germ cell tumours). AFP is NOT recommended for the diagnosis of cancer.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

AFP

Synonyms

AFP - tumour marker, Serum or Plasma
Tumour Marker - AFP, Serum or Plasma

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Test Code

3143

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Ambient delivery to lab

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Samples may be stored off the red blood cells if testing is not done completed within 8 hours. Separated specimens are stable for up to 48 hours at 2-8 oC. Outside these timeframes, the separated sample must be stored frozen at -20oC or colder.

Interpretation

In the context of a known AFP-secreting tumour, a rising AFP is consistent with disease progression or recurrence.
Due to its poor specificity, AFP should not be used to diagnose cancer.

Plasma AFP levels will be elevated during pregnancy – the reference interval below relates to non-pregnant individuals only.

Reference Intervals

0 – 16 ug/L

Test Method

CMIA Method, Beckman Coulter DxI 800 analyser with Beckman Coulter Access reagents

Non-Funded Test Cost

$27.15 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3143

If patient is female please specify if test is a tumour marker, or pregnancy related (for fetal neural tube defect).

Contact Information

Enquiry Form