Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

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Alpha Foetoprotein

Alternate names:

AFP, alpha FP

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

AFP

Specimen types:

Serum

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Clinical notes must be completed

If pregnant female, please state pregancy in weeks

AFP is useful in monitoring some testicular germ cell tumours and primary hepatocelluar carcnioma. After treatment, eg. orchidectomy, levels fall with a half-life of approximately 45 days. Values > 500 ug/L are suggestive of malignancy

However 50% of all malignancies have values < 500 ug/L. AFP can also be raised in a variety of non-malignant liver disorders, where levels are usually < 100 ug/L.

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

5 hours

Reference Interval:

< 7 ug/L.

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions

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