Sign in →

Test Code DCP Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, Serum

Reporting Name

Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful 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

Method Name

Isotachophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence


Ordering 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 Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Refrigerated  7 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

<7.5 ng/mL

Interpretation

In patients with an elevated des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) result (≥7.5 ng/mL), the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 36.5% (95% CI: 23.5%-49.6%). The risk of developing HCC with a negative DCP result (<7.5 ng/mL) is 7.6% (95% CI: 4.4%-10.8%).

 

For patients with HCC and an elevated DCP level prior to therapy, an elevated DCP level posttherapy is associated with an increased risk of HCC recurring.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 4 days

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

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-Oncology Test Request (T729)

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)