Alpha-fetoprotein by IHC

Alphabetical Test listing

Alpha-fetoprotein by IHC-12376 - Technical only, 12379 - Technical & interpretation

Test name:

Test number:

12376 - Technical only, 12379 - Technical & interpretation

Excellian order number:

LAB12376
LAB12379

Alternate names:

AFP

Tests included:

All IHC stains will include a positive control tissue

Useful for:

Among hepatomas 10-70% have been reported as positive in most series. Among positive cases, the frequency of individual AFP-positive cells varies from 5-50% or more.
AFP positivity has also been reported in hepatoblastomas of childhood.

Primary cholangiocarcinoma is AFP negative.

Germ cell tumors:

Endodermal sinus tumors are usually positive for AFP.

Some embryonal carcinomas and teratomatous epithelium are also positive for AFP.

Seminomas/dysgerminomas, intratubular germ cell neoplasia and choriocarcinomas are negative for AFP.

Bladder tumors may occasionally produce AFP (especially if they are of urachal origin).

Tissue Localization of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Malignant Germ Cell Tumors

	Tumor type	Percent positive
Testis	Seminoma	0
	Teratoma	0
	Embryonal carcinoma	47
	Endodermal sinus tumor	50
	Choriocarcinoma	0
Ovary	Dysgerminoma	0
	Immature teratoma	0
	Embryonal carcinoma	70
	Endodermal sinus tumor	100
	Choriocarcinoma	0

Specimen type:

Tissue

Processing instructions:

Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue block

Transport container:

Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue block

Alternate transport container:

Tissue section mounted on a charged, unstained slide

Transport and stability:

Ambient (preferred)

Reason for rejection:

Unlabeled/mislabeled
Insufficient tissue
Slides broken beyond repair

Performing lab:

AHL - Immunohistochemistry

Days set up:

Mo - Fr

TAT:

1 - 2 days

Method:

Immunohistochemical staining and microscopic examination

Reference ranges:

If requested, an interpretive report will be provided

Clinical information:

Specifications

Alpha-fetoprotein is a 64kD tumor-associated embryonal antigen synthesized during fetal life in the yolk sac, liver and gastrointestinal tract and produced by liver, yolk sac and some germ cell tumors of testicular and ovarian origin.

Staining patterns

Cytoplasmic based staining

CPT codes:

88342 - 1st stain
88341 - each additional stain

Date created:

06/24/2019

Revised date:

06/25/2019

Review date:

01/12/2024