Maternal Serum AFP
Test Summary
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is used for prenatal screening. Maternal serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) elevation is associated with open neural tube defects, multiple gestation, placental anomalies, ventral abdominal wall defects, congenital nephrosis, and oligohydramnios. Follow-up for abnormal AFP results include genetic counseling, level II or III ultrasound examination and consideration of amniocentesis for chromosome and AFP analysis. MSAFP is not to be used as a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities.
Aliases
- AFP Comment: If Patient is female and is know to be pregnant
- MSAFP (Serum-Maternal)
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST®)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Prenatal risk assessment for open neural tube defects (NTDs).
For manual orders use “Maternal Serum Screen Requisition."
The MSAFP test in pregnant women should be performed between 15.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial MSAFP results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 15.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated. Because MSAFP test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient’s (maternal) date of birth, patient’s estimated date of delivery (EDD), patient’s weight (in lbs.), patient’s race, patient diabetic status (is patient insulin-dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
For manual orders use “Maternal Serum Screen Requisition."
The MSAFP test in pregnant women should be performed between 15.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial MSAFP results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 15.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated. Because MSAFP test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient’s (maternal) date of birth, patient’s estimated date of delivery (EDD), patient’s weight (in lbs.), patient’s race, patient diabetic status (is patient insulin-dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 14 days
- Refrigerated: 14 days
- Frozen: 45 days
Limitations
MSAFP results consistent with increased risk of NTD may be followed-up with appropriate diagnostic testing as detailed in the report. MSAFP does not screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Other Acceptable Specimens
Red-top tube (no gel)
Unacceptable Specimens
Grossly lipemic
Order Code
MSSAFP
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB023
Includes
AFP, Maternal Risk Interpretation
CPT Code
- 82105 - **This test is not available for California or New York patient testing. For New York patient testing use new test code 92788**
Billing Code
- 670337
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano CA, 92675
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
| AFP MoM: | |
| NTD | <2.50 |
| IDD | <1.90 |
| TWINS | <4.00 |
| TWINS IDD | <3.50 |
| TRIPLETS | <4.50 |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 5 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST®)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Prenatal risk assessment for open neural tube defects (NTDs).
For manual orders use “Maternal Serum Screen Requisition."
The MSAFP test in pregnant women should be performed between 15.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial MSAFP results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 15.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated. Because MSAFP test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient’s (maternal) date of birth, patient’s estimated date of delivery (EDD), patient’s weight (in lbs.), patient’s race, patient diabetic status (is patient insulin-dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
For manual orders use “Maternal Serum Screen Requisition."
The MSAFP test in pregnant women should be performed between 15.0 and 22.9 weeks gestational age, although the optimal period is 15.0-16.9 weeks. This time frame allows sufficient opportunity for further diagnostic studies if the initial MSAFP results are abnormal. Specimens submitted before 15.0 weeks or after 22.9 weeks gestation cannot be properly evaluated. Because MSAFP test results are influenced by certain patient characteristics, the following data must be provided with the specimen in order to permit accurate interpretation of results: date of collection, patient’s (maternal) date of birth, patient’s estimated date of delivery (EDD), patient’s weight (in lbs.), patient’s race, patient diabetic status (is patient insulin-dependent prior to pregnancy), number of fetuses, and whether this is a repeat sample.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 14 days
- Refrigerated: 14 days
- Frozen: 45 days
Limitations
MSAFP results consistent with increased risk of NTD may be followed-up with appropriate diagnostic testing as detailed in the report. MSAFP does not screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Other Acceptable Specimens
Red-top tube (no gel)
Unacceptable Specimens
Grossly lipemic
Billing
CPT Code
- 82105 - **This test is not available for California or New York patient testing. For New York patient testing use new test code 92788**
Billing Code
- 670337
CPT Statement
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| AFP MoM: | |
| NTD | <2.50 |
| IDD | <1.90 |
| TWINS | <4.00 |
| TWINS IDD | <3.50 |
| TRIPLETS | <4.50 |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 5 days