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Test Code L3AFP Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum

Reporting Name

AFP-L3% and Total AFP, S

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Distinguishing between hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease

 

Monitoring individuals with hepatic cirrhosis from any etiology for progression to hepatocellular carcinoma

 

Surveillance for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals with a positive family history of hepatic cancer

 

Surveillance for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals within specific ethnic and sex groups who do not have hepatic cirrhosis but have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic infection by hepatitis B acquired early in life, including:

-African men above the age of 20

-Asian men above the age of 40

-Asian women above the age of 50

Method Name

Isotachophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence


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) 180 days
  Refrigerated  5 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

TOTAL ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN (AFP):

<4.7 ng/mL

 

AFP %L3:

<10%

Interpretation

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-L3 results of 10% or above are associated with a 7-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with AFP-L3 at this level should be monitored more intensely for evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma according to current practice guidelines.

 

A total serum AFP above 200 ng/mL is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with liver disease, a total serum AFP at this level is near 100% predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma. With lower total AFP levels, there is an increased likelihood that chronic liver disease, rather than hepatocellular carcinoma, is responsible for the AFP elevation.

 

AFP concentrations over 100,000 ng/mL have been reported in normal newborns, and the values rapidly decline in the first 6 years of life.

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

82107

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
L3AFP AFP-L3% and Total AFP, S 96451-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
TAFP Total AFP, S 1834-1
L3 %L3 42332-7
INT67 Interpretation 69048-7

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)