ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Maternal Serum Screen, Alpha Fetoprotein, hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin A : 0080269
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Patient History For Maternal Serum Testing
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Additional Technical Information


Mnemonic: AFP MS4

Methodology: Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 2-3 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Specimen must be drawn between 14 weeks, 0 days and 24 weeks, 6 days gestation.

Collect: Serum separator tube or plain red.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 3 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 1 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Remarks: The following information is required and must accompany the sample for test interpretation: patient's date of birth, current weight, due date, dating method (US, LMP), number of fetuses present, patient's race, if the patient requires insulin, if there is a known family history of neural tube defects, if the patient has had a previous pregnancy with a chromosome abnormality, if the patient is taking valproic acid or carbamazepine (Tegretol®), physician's name and phone number; and for in vitro fertilization pregnancies, the age of the egg donor.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval:
By report

Includes AFP, hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin A.
Intervals are based upon weeks of gestation.
Note: This test is used to screen for fetal risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, and Open Neural Tube Defect (ONTD, spina bifida).
CPT Code(s): 82105; 84702; 82677; 86336
Cross References: AFP MS4 (Quad) (Maternal Serum Screen, Alpha Fetoprotein, hCG, Estriol, & Inhibin A), Alpha Fetoprotein, hCG, Estriol, & Inhibin (Maternal Serum Screen, Alpha Fetoprotein, hCG, Estriol, & Inhibin A) , Quad AFP (Maternal Serum Screen, Alpha Fetoprotein, hCG, Estriol, & Inhibin A)