Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
AFP L3
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Quantitative Liquid Chromatography/Immunoassay
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Mon,Thu
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Serum separator tube.
Specimen Preparation
Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Plasma.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
By report
Test Number
Components
Reference Interval
Alpha Fetoprotein Total
0-15 ng/mL
Alpha Fetoprotein L3 Pct
0-9.9 percent
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
The µTASWako method is used. Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The AFP L3 Percent assay is intended as a risk assessment for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver diseases. Patients with elevated serum AFP-L3 percent should be more intensely evaluated for evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma since elevated values have been shown to be associated with a seven-fold increase in the risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma within 21 months. Results cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. For pregnant females, the result is not interpretable as a tumor marker.
Compliance Category
FDA
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
AFP
AFP-L3%
Alpha Fetoprotein
Alpha Fetoprotein, Total and L3 Percent
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum
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