Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) / Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) / Unconjugated Estriol (uE3) / Inhibin A
Performed:
Monday-Friday
Released:
Within 2 days of receipt
CPT Code:
82105 / 82677 / 84702 / 86336
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST). Also acceptable: One 5 mL red top tube. NOTE: Order on an Obstetrics requisition or electronically and include the following information for test interpretation: patient’s date of birth, current weight, due date, dating method (US, LMP), number of fetuses present, patient’s race, if the patient requires insulin, if there is a previous child with neural tube defects or Down syndrome, and for in vitro fertilization pregnancies, the age of the egg donor. Also indicate if patient is a smoker (this alters one biomarker and requires a correction factor).
Handling:
Allow to clot, centrifuge and separate serum from cells immediately. Refrigerate.
Stability:
8 hours ambient, 7 days refrigerated, or 3 months frozen.
Standard Volume:
3 mL serum.
Minimum Volume:
1.5 mL serum.
Transport:
Refrigerated, or frozen on dry ice.
Comments:
Optimum time for screening is between 16-18 weeks gestation. Down/NTD Screen can be performed on individuals between 15 weeks, 0 days and 21 weeks, 6 days gestation.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen frozen and thawed more than once.
MEDICARE MAY REQUIRE A SIGNED ADVANCE BENEFICIARY NOTICE (ABN) FOR THIS TEST