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Test Code AFPPT Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Peritoneal Fluid

Reporting Name

AFP, Peritoneal Fluid

Useful For

An adjunct to cytology to differentiate between malignancy-related ascites and benign causes of ascites formation

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Peritoneal


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube

Specimen Volume: 2 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL (Samples <0.5 mL may be rejected)

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Peritoneal Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Ambient  7 days
  Refrigerated  7 days

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

86316

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
AFPPT AFP, Peritoneal Fluid 49761-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
AFPPN AFP, Peritoneal Fluid 49761-0
SITEF Site 39111-0

Interpretation

A peritoneal fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration greater than 6.0 ng/mL is suspicious but not diagnostic of ascites related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This clinical decision limit cutoff yielded a sensitivity of 58%, specificity of 96% in a study of 137 patients presenting with ascites. AFP concentrations were significantly higher in ascites caused by HCC. Ascites caused by malignancies other than HCC routinely had AFP concentrations less than 6.0 ng/mL. Therefore, negative results should be interpreted with caution.

Clinical Reference

1. Sari R, Yildirim B, Sevinc A, Bahceci F, Hilmioglu F: The importance of serum and ascites fluid alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, CA 19-9, and CA 15-3 levels in differential diagnosis of ascites etiology. Hepatogastroenterology. 2001 Nov-Dec;48(42):1616-1621

2. Owen WE, Hunsaker JJH, Genzen JR: Alpha-fetoprotein in pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural fluids: A body fluid matrix evaluation. Clin Biochem. 2018 Jun;56:109-112. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.04.019

3. Block DR, Algeciras-Schimnich A: Body fluid analysis: clinical utility and applicability of published studies to guide interpretation of today's laboratory testing in serous fluids. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2013 Jul-Oct;50(4-5):107-124. doi: 10.3109/10408363.2013.844679

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Method Name

Immunoenzymatic Assay

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.