ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Des-gamma-carboxy Prothrombin : 0081312
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Additional Technical Information
  


Mnemonic: DCP

Methodology: Quantitative Liquid Chromatography/Immunoassay
Performed: Thu
Reported: 1-8 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Plain red or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 months (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
Effective August 20, 2012

0.0 - 7.4 ng/mL
Interpretive Data: The µTASWako method is used.  Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. The des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) assay is intended as a risk assessment for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver diseases.  Elevated DCP values have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with elevated serum DCP should be more intensely evaluated for evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
CPT Code(s): 83951
Cross References: DCP (Des-gamma-carboxy Prothrombin), PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist II) (Des-gamma-carboxy Prothrombin)