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HelpTest Code DCP Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, Serum
Reporting Name
Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, SUseful 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
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering 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 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 |
Reference Values
<7.5 ng/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
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 |
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.
Clinical Reference
1. Lai Q, Iesari S, Levi Sandri GB, Lerut J. Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin in hepatocellular cancer patients waiting for liver transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Biol Markers. 2017;32(4):e370-e374. doi:10.5301/ijbm.5000276
2. Zhu R, Yang J, Xu L, et al. Diagnostic performance of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin for hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2014;2014:529314. doi:10.1155/2014/529314
3. De J, Shen Y, Qin J, Feng L, Wang Y, Yang L. A systematic review of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(17):e3448. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000003448
Report Available
1 to 4 daysMethod Name
Isotachophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Alias:
Protein Induced Vitamin K
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Oncology Test Request (T729)