Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker

Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum

Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Ambient 7 days, Stable 1 week,
Refrigerated 7 days

Reject Criteria

Gross hemolysis
Hyperlipemic
EDTA or heparinized plasma

Methodology Chemiluminescence

Clinical Significance Elevation of serum AFP above values found in healthy individuals occurs in several malignant diseases, most notably nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. AFP is not recommended as a screening procedure to detect cancer in the general population.