AFP Tetra
9 days
Chemiluminescent immunoassay
The following information must be provided: gestational age, date on which the patient was the stated gestational age, how gestational age was determined (LMP, EDD, US), patient&apos,s weight, patient&apos,s date of birth, patient&apos,s race (white, black, other), and insulin-dependent diabetic status. Also indicate relevant patient history (eg, prior neural tube defects, Down syndrome, ultrasound anomalies, or previous maternal serum screening specimen during this pregnancy). Complete information is necessary to interpret the test. Patient information may be provided to the laboratory using the Maternal Prenatal Screening requisition form 0900. Specimens must be collected before amniocentesis. Down syndrome screening is offered for gestational ages 15.0 to 21.9 weeks. Open spina bifida screening is offered for gestational ages 15.0 to 23.9 weeks. The optimal gestational age for open spina bifida screening is 16.0 to 18.9 weeks.
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Maternal serum screening for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
Serum
5 mL
Gel barrier tube
No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Send complete specimen in the original tube. Do not pour off. Maternal Serum specimens must be drawn prior to amniocentesis to avoid contamination with fetal blood.
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |