Alpha-fetoprotein, Amniotic Fluid (AFAFP)

Prenatal Screening Laboratory

Immunoassay

---

Specimen Required:

Amniotic fluid: 2 mL

Room temperature or 4°C

11-25 weeks gestation

Refer to Special Handling Requirements

Days Test Set Up:

Monday - Friday

Analytic Time:

48 hours

Reference Values:

< 2.0 MoM = Normal

CPT Code(s):

82106

Relevance:

Elevated levels of AFAFP are associated with open fetal defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, gastroschisis, and omphalocele.

Notes:

Interpretation is dependent on gestational age and condition of fluid. False positives can be ruled out by confirmatory AChE analysis.

If requested, abnormal results are telephoned to the referring physician or laboratory.

Reference(s)

• Wald NJ, Cuckle HS: Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein measurement in antenatal diagnosis of anencephaly and open spina bifida in early pregnancy. Second Report of the U.K. Collaborative Study on Alpha-fetoprotein in Relation to Neural Tube Defects. Lancet, ii:651-662, 1979.