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Test ID: AFPSF    
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Spinal Fluid

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The instrument used is a Beckman Coulter Unicel DXI 800. The Access alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) immunoassay is a 2-site immunoenzymatic sandwich assay. A sample is added to a reaction vessel with mouse monoclonal anti-AFP alkaline phosphatase conjugate, and paramagnetic particles coated with a second mouse monoclonal anti-AFP antibody. The AFP in the sample binds to the immobilized monoclonal anti-AFP on the solid phase while, at the same time, the monoclonal anti-AFP-alkaline phosphatase conjugate reacts with different antigenic sites on the sample AFP. After incubation in a reaction vessel, materials bound to the solid phase are held in a magnetic field while unbound materials are washed away. Then a chemiluminescence substrate is added to the reaction vessel and light generated by the reaction is measured with a luminometer. The light production is directly proportional to the amount of AFP in the sample. The amount of analyte in the sample is determined by means of a stored multipoint calibration curve. Because the protein matrix is less concentrated in cerebrospinal fluid, a "protein spike" is added to each specimen prior to analysis. A correction is made for the dilution effect prior to reporting. (Beckman-Coulter Assay Manual 2007)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 5 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

Same day/1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 months

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester