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HelpTest Code AFPSF Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Alpha-Fetoprotein, CSFUseful For
An adjunct in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) germinomas and meningeal carcinomatosis
Evaluating the presence of germ-cell tumors in the CNS, in conjunction with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement
A supplement to CSF cytologic analysis
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Preferred: Vial number 1
Acceptable: Any vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Frozen (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
<1.5 ng/mL
Values for alpha-fetoprotein in cerebrospinal fluid have not been formally established for newborns and infants. The available literature indicates that by 2 months of age, levels comparable to adults should be reached.(Ann Clin Biochem 2005;42:24-29)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AFPSF | Alpha-Fetoprotein, CSF | 1833-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| AFSF | Alpha-Fetoprotein, CSF | 1833-3 |
Interpretation
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations that exceed the upper end of normal are consistent with the presence of central nervous system (CNS) germinoma. The presence of germinomas in the CNS, CNS involvement in metastatic cancer, and meningeal carcinomatosis may result in increased cerebrospinal fluid AFP concentrations in approximately 20% of germinomas.
Clinical Reference
1. Jubran RF, Finlay J: Central nervous system germ cell tumors: controversies in diagnosis and treatment. Oncology. 2005 May;19(6):705-711
2. Seregni E, Massimino M, Nerini Molteni S, et al: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in intracranial germ cell tumors. Int J Biol Markers. 2002 Apr-Jun;17(2):112-118
3. Hu M, Guan H, Lau CC,et al: An update on the clinical diagnostic value of beta-hCG and alpha FP for intracranial germ cell tumors. Eur J Med Res. 2016 Mar 12;21:10. doi: 10.1186/s40001-016-0204-2
4. Shi Q, Tian C, Pu C, Yu S, Huang X: CSF and serum AFP in patients without gestational or neoplastic AFP-secretion. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 2012 Dec;72(8):619-22. doi: 10.3109/00365513.2012.725865
5. Coakley J, Kellie SJ: Interpretation of alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of infants. Ann Clin Biochem. 2005 Jan;42:24-29
6. Shajani-Yi Z, Martin IW, Brunelle AA, Cervinski MA: Method validation of human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein in cerebrospinal fluid: Aiding the diagnosis of intracranial germ cell tumors. J Appl Lab Med. 2017 Jul 1;2(1):65-75. doi: 10.1373/jalm.2016.022822
Report Available
1 to 3 daysMethod Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.