This test screens for open spina bifida. This test does not screen for Down syndrome or trisomy 18. 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's weight, patient's date of birth, patient's race (white, black, other), and insulin-dependent diabetic status. Also indicate relevant patient history, such as prior neural tube defects, ultrasound anomalies, or previous maternal serum screening during this pregnancy. Complete information is necessary to interpret the test.. Specimens must be collected before amniocentesis. 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. Limitations MS-AFP is a screening test. This test does not screen for Down syndrome or trisomy 18. A positive result means that more diagnostic testing may be offered to the pregnant woman to determine if a neural tube defect is present. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Specimen Sources
Blood, ArterialBlood, CapillaryBlood, Central LineBlood, Venous
Specimen Types
Blood
Specimen Volume
Container
Gold Top Tube
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: Gold top tube Specimen: 3 mL serum ( 0.5 min) Transport Temperature: Room Temperature Special Instructions This test screens for open spina bifida. This test does not screen for Down syndrome or trisomy 18. The following information must be provided: 1) gestational age, 2) date on which the patient was the stated gestational age, 3) how gestational age was determined (LMP, EDD, US), 4) patient's weight, 5) patient's date of birth, 6) patient's race (white, black, other), 7) Also indicate relevant patient history, such as prior neural tube defects, ultrasound anomalies, or previous maternal serum screening during this pregnancy. Complete information is necessary to interpret the test. Patient information may be provided to the laboratory Specimens must be collected before amniocentesis. 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.
Transport Instructions
Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
7 Days Room Temperature 14 Days Refrigerated or Frozen
