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Test Code LAB2211 Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, Serum

Additional Codes

DCP

Useful For

Risk assessment of patients with chronic liver disease for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

 

Aiding in the monitoring of HCC patients post therapy if the des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin level was elevated prior to therapy

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Ordering Guidance


For diagnostic use, this test is most cost-effective for at-risk patients with normal levels of total and L3 alpha fetoprotein in serum. For more information see L3AFP / Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) L3% and Total, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Marker, Serum.



Specimen 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) 90 days
  Refrigerated  7 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reference Values

<7.5 ng/mL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

83951

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
DCP Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S 34444-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
DCP Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin, S 34444-0

Interpretation

In patients with an elevated des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) result (≥7.5 ng/mL), the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 36.5% (95% CI: 23.5%-49.6%). The risk of developing HCC with a negative DCP result (<7.5 ng/mL) is 7.6% (95% CI: 4.4%-10.8%).

 

For patients with HCC and an elevated DCP level prior to therapy, an elevated DCP level posttherapy is associated with an increased risk of HCC recurring.

Method Description

Testing is performed using the uTASWako i30 instrument and the uTASWako DCP Immunological Test System and reagents. Sample is added to the reagent well with the fluorescent dye labeled anti-human prothrombin antibody (mouse monoclonal) to form the primary immunocomplex. The second labeled antibody solution, anion-conjugated anti-human des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) antibody (mouse monoclonal), is concentrated by isotachophoresis when voltage is applied. The concentrated anion-conjugated antibody then reacts with the primary immunocomplex to form the secondary immunocomplex. This secondary complex is further concentrated during isotachophoresis and is separated from unbound fluorescent dye-labeled antibody by capillary gel electrophoresis. The remaining dye labeled DCP is measured by laser-induced fluorescence. The concentration of DCP in the specimen is directly proportional to the amount of fluorescence.(Package insert: uTASWako i30 DCP. Wako Diagnostics; version 23.02.17K16, 02/2023)

Report Available

1 to 4 days

Specimen Retention Time

2 weeks

Reject 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)

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)

Secondary ID

61844