Update Type: Reference range changed
Test Updated: 12/20/2023
Test Overview
Test Methodology

Immunoenzymatic Assay

Test Usage

Screening for open neural tube defects or other fetal abnormalities. Follow-up testing for patients with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein results or in conjunction with cytogenetic testing.

Reference Range *

< or = 2.0 multiples of median (MoM)

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

3 - 20 days

Soft Order Code
AFPA
Synonyms
  • AFP, Amniotic Fluid
  • Amniotic Fluid AFP (AFAFP)
  • MULTIPLE OF THE MEDIAN, AMNIO
  • AFP AMNIOTIC FLUID
  • AFPF
  • MOM
  • ALPHA FETOPROTEIN, AMNIOTIC
  • MULTIPLE OF THE MEDIAN
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo AFPA (9950)
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Gestational age must be between 13 and 24 weeks; 16 to 18 weeks is preferred. Collect amniotic fluid and refrigerate. Please provide the following information: date ultrasound performed, estimated due date by ultrasound, and specimen collection date.

Collection Instructions

Gestational age must be between 13 and 24 weeks; 16 to 18 weeks is preferred. Collect amniotic fluid and refrigerate. Please provide the following information: date ultrasound performed, estimated due date by ultrasound, and specimen collection date.

Normal Volume
1 mL amniotic fluid
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL amniotic fluid
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated preferred, ambient acceptable
Additional Information

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) requires that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) testing be performed on ALL amniotic fluids having elevated AFAFP concentrations. If alpha fetoprotein is positive, acetylcholinesterase testing will be performed at an additional charge (order code ACHE). By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated. Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
82106
Fee Code
AA001
LOINC
Z256-8