alpha-1-fetoprotein in body fluid

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Reference interval

The IMx AFP assay is a Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) for the quantitative measurement of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in serum or plasma.

The IMx AFP reagents & samples are added to the reaction cell in the following sequence:

The probe/electrode assembly delivers the sample, the specimen diluent & Anti-AFP Coated microparticles into the incubation well of the reaction cell.
An aliquot of the reaction mixture is transferred to the glass fiber matrix. The microparticles bind irreversible to the glass fiber matrix.
The matrix is washed to remove unbound materials.
The Anti-AFP: Alkaline Phosphatase Conjugate is dispensed onto the matrix & binds to the antibody-antigen complex.
The matrix is washed to remove unbound materials.
The substrate, 4-Methylumbelliferyl Phosphate, is added to the matrix & the fluorescent product is measured by the MEIA optical assembly.

Serum, plasma, or amniotic fluid may be used with the IMx AFP assay.
If assay is performed within 24 hours after collection, the specimen should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-80C. If the testing will be delayed more than 24 hours, the specimen should be frozen. Mix thoroughly after thawing to ensure consistency in the results. Avoid repeated freezing & thawing.
Specimens showing particulate matter, erythrocytes, or turbidity should be centrifuged before testing.
Amniotic fluid samples must be diluted prior to performing the IMx AFP assay.
To quantitate the concentration of AFP in AMNIOTIC FLUID specimens, perform a Manual Dilution Procedure. For Manual Dilution use the IMx AFP Specimen Diluent; make a 1:10 & 1:100 dilutions by adding 50 uL of the sample to 450 uL of diluent, mix thoroughly, in a second tube add 50 uL of the 1:10 dilution to 450 uL of diluent. Mix thoroughly. Multiply the concentration of the diluted sample by the dilution factor.

SAMPLE VOLUME: 150 uL of specimen is the minimum volume require to perform the assay.

↑ Abbott Laboratories ,Diagnostic Division ,Abbott Park, IL 60064 Tumor Markers, IMx AFP, FEBRUARY 1990.
↑ IMx System Operation Manual, Abbott Diagnostics, a Division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL. 60064, AUGUST 1988.
↑ IMx System Assay Manual, Abbott Diagnostics, a Division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL. 60064, AUGUST 1988.
↑ Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd ed. Teitz ed., W.B. Saunders, 1995