Test Code AFPPT Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Peritoneal Fluid
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
PeritonealSpecimen Required
Sources: Peritoneal, abdominal, ascites, paracentesis (peritoneal washings are not acceptable)
Container/Tube: Plain, plastic, screw-top tube
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
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
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 in whom a cause of peritoneal fluid accumulation is uncertain.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.