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HelpTest Code AFPPT Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Peritoneal Fluid
Reporting Name
AFP, Peritoneal FluidUseful For
An adjunct to cytology to differentiate between malignancy-related ascites and benign causes of ascites formation
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
PeritonealSpecimen Required
Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Samples <0.5 mL may be rejected)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peritoneal | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days | ||
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86316
Clinical Information
Malignancy accounts for approximately 7% of cases of ascites formation. Malignant disease can cause ascites by various mechanisms including: peritoneal carcinomatosis (53%), massive liver metastasis causing portal hypertension (13%), peritoneal carcinomatosis plus massive liver metastasis (13%), hepatocellular carcinoma plus cirrhosis (7%), and chylous ascites due to lymphoma (7%). The evaluation and diagnosis of malignancy-related ascites is based on the patient clinical history, ascites fluid analysis, and imaging tests.
The overall sensitivity of cytology for the detection of malignancy-related ascites ranges from 58% to 75%. Cytology examination is most successful in patients with ascites related to peritoneal carcinomatosis as viable malignant cells are exfoliated into the ascitic fluid. However, only approximately 53% of patients with malignancy-related ascites have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients with other causes of malignancy-related ascites almost always have a negative cytology.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurement in serum is used in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Measurement of AFP in ascites fluid might be useful, when used in conjunction with cytology, in patients with a history of HCC and in whom a cause of peritoneal fluid accumulation is uncertain.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.