If patient is pregnant, include approximate gestational age on the request form and order test 010801. Values obtained with different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing. It is recommended that only one assay method be used consistently to monitor each patients course of therapy. The account must submit the patient's Social Security number to monitor. If red-stopper tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Normal values apply only to males and to nonpregnant females.
These results are not interpretable for pregnant females. AFP increases occur as well from extragonadal locations, retroperitoneum, and mediastinum. Monitor therapy with antineoplastic drugs, in patients being treated for hepatoma or germinal neoplasm. Differential diagnosis of neonatal hepatitis versus biliary atresia in newborns. The use of AFP in intrauterine testing is not discussed under this test number.