CPT® Code 82107

The CPT® Code 82107 refers to a laboratory test that quantifies the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and its specific isoform, the AFP-L3 fraction. This test is particularly significant in the context of liver health, as it serves as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The measurement involves assessing both the total AFP and the AFP-L3 fraction, with results expressed as a ratio. The AFP-L3 fraction is notable for its association with aggressive tumor behavior, including rapid growth and early metastasis, making it a critical marker in evaluating the progression of liver cancer. The test utilizes a liquid phase binding immunoassay to isolate the AFP-L3 isoform, followed by quantification through chemical luminescence techniques. The resulting AFP-L3% ratio, which compares the amount of AFP-L3 to the total AFP, is essential for monitoring patients with chronic liver disease who are at high risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. A ratio exceeding 10% is particularly concerning and may indicate the presence of early-stage liver cancer, thus highlighting the importance of this test in clinical practice.