Maternal Serum Screening Specimen Requirements
Testing authorization form |
CPT Codes/Price
List (PDF)
Obtain 2 ml serum from a red top Vacutainer tube (no anticoagulant)
between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. For optimal detection of neural tube
defect, samples should be collected at 16-18 weeks gestation.
Hemolytic and lipemic serum samples do not interfere with the
assays but icteric samples may cause a decrease in estriol concentrations.
Plasma samples cannot be used.
NOTE: Always collect
serum samples prior to amniocentesis. The amniocentesis procedure
may introduce significant amounts of AFP into the maternal serum,
resulting in a transient increase in MSAFP.
Specimen handling and transport:
Transport samples at room temperature by first class mail or overnight courier on the day the sample is obtained. Protect
from extreme temperatures when necessary. If shipment is delayed,
serum sample may be stored up to 6 days at 2-8 degrees C. For longer periods,
store samples at -20 degrees C. Repeated freezing and thawing should be
avoided. Prepaid mailers are provided by the Greenwood Genetic
Center upon request.
Information required:
The Maternal Serum Screening patient registration card should
be completed, signed and enclosed with each sample. If no registration
card is available, please include the following information with
the sample:
- Patient name, address, telephone
number and date of birth
- Social security number
- Race
- Patient's current weight
- Date of sample collection
- Gestational age in weeks and days
on date of sample collection
- LMP
- EDC
- Is this a twin or other multiple
gestation?
- Does the patient have insulin dependent
diabetes?
- Family history of neural tube defects
with relationship to patient or father of baby
- Family history of Down syndrome
with relationship to patient or father of baby
- Is the patient on medication for
seizures? If so, list medications.
- Does the patient smoke cigarettes?
If so, include amount per day.
- Name of referring physician
- Billing and insurance information
- Signed informed consent
This information is necessary for interpretation of screening
results. If information is omitted, interpretation and reporting
of results will be delayed.
NOTE: Maternal serum screening interpretations for neural tube defects and Down syndrome
are dependent on accurate gestational dating. Estimation of gestational
age by ultrasound using biparietal diameter (BPD) is optimal
because it reduces the initial screen positive rate and increases
detection of neural tube defects. Use of fetal femoral length
dating potentially decreases the detection of Down syndrome.
Standard of Analysis:
Available upon request
Time required: 2 days from receipt of sample
Report: A normal screening report is mailed
to the referring physician, clinic, or laboratory. An abnormal
screening report is telephoned and/or sent by FAX to the referring
physician, clinic, or laboratory followed by a mailed written report.
CPT Codes: 82105, 84702, 82677, 86336
Contact: Kim Stewart (864) 9410-8131 or (800)
473-9411 toll-free
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