ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0080434: Maternal Serum Screen, Alpha Fetoprotein (Only) |
![[ image for: Patient History For Maternal Serum Testing]](icon_17.jpg){kind=icon} | Patient History For Maternal Serum Testing |
| Test Mnemonic: MS ONLY | |
|
Methodology: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: 2-3 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
|
Collect: One 3 mL SST or plain red. Specimen must be drawn between 14 weeks, 0 days and 24 weeks, 6 days gestation.
Transport: 1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. Remarks: The following information is required and must accompany the specimen in order for testing to be interpreted: 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. Separate serum from cells ASAP. Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Hemolyzed specimens. Heparin, EDTA, and citrate plasma. Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 year |
|
| Reference Interval: |
| By report |
| Note: | |
| This test is used to screen for fetal risk of Open Neural Tube Defect (i.e., spina bifida). |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 82105 |