Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

2 hours

MiChart Code
Alpha-Fetoprotein, CSF
Soft Order Code
AFCSF

Test Updated:

Synonyms

AFP, CSF

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All specimens should be accompanied by a requisition.

Submitting Specimens

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MLabs provides all the supplies necessary for the collection of specimens.

Test FAQ

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Test Overview

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)

Test Usage

CSF levels of AFP are a useful aid in the diagnosis of primary central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs). These account for approximately 4 % of primary brain tumors in children. AFP elevation in CSF occurs in approximately 70 % of these tumors. Concurrent testing of beta-HCG is recommended to improve the sensitivity for detecting these CNS tumors. CSF levels of AFP will also be elevated with brain metastases of testicular cancer.

Reference Range

0 - 1 ng/mL

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

Specimen Requirements

Collection Offsite

Collect spinal fluid, refrigerate.

Normal Volume
0.5 mL CSF
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL CSF

Billing Information

CPT Code
86316
Pro Fee Code
 
LOINC
1833-3

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Our High Standard

Quality that sets us apart

As the reference laboratory division of Michigan Medicine's Department of Pathology, MLabs shares the institution's commitment to applying established quality principles to clinical laboratory testing. Like other large organizations in complex, consequential fields, we rely on an established approach to monitor quality throughout the testing process.

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