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HelpTest Code LAB2188 Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum
Additional Codes
L3AFP
Useful For
Distinguishing between hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease
Monitoring individuals with hepatic cirrhosis from any etiology for progression to hepatocellular carcinoma
Surveillance for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals with a positive family history of hepatic cancer
Surveillance for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals within specific ethnic and sex groups who do not have hepatic cirrhosis but have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic infection by hepatitis B acquired early in life, including:
-African men above the age of 20
-Asian men above the age of 40
-Asian women above the age of 50
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen 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) | 180 days | |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
Reference Values
TOTAL ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN (AFP):
<4.7 ng/mL
AFP %L3:
<10%
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82107
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| L3AFP | AFP-L3% and Total AFP, S | 96451-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TAFP | Total AFP, S | 1834-1 |
| L3 | %L3 | 42332-7 |
| INT67 | Interpretation | 69048-7 |
Interpretation
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-L3 results of 10% or above are associated with a 7-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with AFP-L3 at this level should be monitored more intensely for evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma according to current practice guidelines.
A total serum AFP above 200 ng/mL is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with liver disease, a total serum AFP at this level is near 100% predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma. With lower total AFP levels, there is an increased likelihood that chronic liver disease, rather than hepatocellular carcinoma, is responsible for the AFP elevation.
AFP concentrations over 100,000 ng/mL have been reported in normal newborns, and the values rapidly decline in the first 6 years of life.
Method Description
Total alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is measured by laser-induced fluorescence, with separation of the lentil lectin-reactive AFP-L3 and lectin nonreactive forms of AFP by isotachophoresis of their immune-complexes. Results are expressed as the percent ratio of AFP-L3 to total AFP.(Package insert: uTASWako i30 AFP-L3 18.07.18K13. Wako Diagnostics; 07/2018)
Report Available
1 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Isotachophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Oncology Test Request (T729)