PIVKA TOTAL (DCP-DECARBOXY PROTHROMBIN PIVKA-II,ALPHA- FETOPROTEIN & LFT)

Pivka Total Profile (DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin, Alpha-Fetoprotein & LFT): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

The PIVKA TOTAL Profile is a crucial diagnostic panel primarily used in the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. This panel combines two highly significant tumour markers, PIVKA-II (also known as DCP) and Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), with a comprehensive Liver Function Test (LFT) to provide a complete picture of liver health, damage, and the presence of cancerous activity.
The combined use of PIVKA-II and AFP offers greater diagnostic accuracy than either marker alone, especially in differentiating HCC from other liver diseases like cirrhosis. If you are looking for a reliable PIVKA TOTAL Test price or a convenient lab test near me, Apollo 24|7 offers accredited laboratory services with timely collection and secure, fast report access.

What is the Pivka Total Profile?

The PIVKA TOTAL Test is a specialised blood panel used to aid in the detection and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. It combines three key components: PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II), Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), and Liver Function Tests (LFTs). PIVKA-II and AFP are tumour markers that may be elevated in liver malignancies, while LFTs assess overall liver health and function.
This test is particularly useful for individuals at high risk of liver cancer, such as those with chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or abnormal liver enzyme levels. When interpreted together, these markers provide valuable insight into liver pathology, helping clinicians differentiate between benign liver conditions and cancer, monitor treatment response, and guide timely clinical decisions.

What is the PIVKA TOTAL Test Price?

The PIVKA TOTAL Test price reflects the complexity of combining three distinct testing methodologies: two specialised tumour marker assays (for PIVKA-II and AFP) and a multi-component biochemistry panel (LFT). Factors influencing the cost include:
•    Specialised Markers: PIVKA-II and AFP testing requires specialised and often more expensive reagents and equipment than routine biochemistry.
•    Comprehensive Panel: The inclusion of the full LFT adds several measurements to the assay batch.
•    Location: Prices may differ slightly between cities due to regional operating costs and logistics.
•    Service Type: Opting for home sample collection may slightly adjust the total cost due to convenience and travel charges.
•    Lab Standards: Testing at NABL-accredited facilities, such as Apollo, ensures reliable and accurate results critical for cancer surveillance and diagnosis.
For the most accurate and up-to-date PIVKA TOTAL Test price near me, you should check the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application, where prices are dynamically updated based on your location and current offerings.

What is the Purpose of the PIVKA TOTAL Test?

The primary purpose of this combined profile is to enhance the detection and management of liver cancer, particularly in high-risk patients.
Doctors recommend the PIVKA TOTAL Test for the following key objectives:
1.    Screening High-Risk Individuals: It is used to screen patients with underlying chronic liver diseases, such as Hepatitis B or C infection, or liver cirrhosis, who have a high risk of developing HCC.
2.    Diagnosis of HCC: Elevated levels of PIVKA-II and/or AFP, especially when combined with suspicious findings on imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), strongly suggest the presence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
3.    Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: After surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, or local therapies (like radiofrequency ablation), rapidly decreasing levels of these tumour markers indicate a successful response to treatment.
4.    Detecting Recurrence: Serial monitoring of PIVKA-II and AFP is vital to detect the recurrence of HCC early, allowing for timely intervention.
5.    Assessing Overall Liver Health (LFT): The LFT components provide essential context regarding the patient's underlying liver function, liver damage (hepatitis), and capacity to produce proteins.

Components of the PIVKA TOTAL Profile

The profile is composed of three critical segments:

1. PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II)

•    Also known as: Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP).
•    What it is: PIVKA-II is an abnormal form of the clotting protein prothrombin. In the presence of Vitamin K, the liver modifies prothrombin into its normal form. However, malignant liver cells (HCC) often lose the ability to perform this modification, resulting in high levels of the defective PIVKA-II protein being released into the bloodstream.
•    Significance: It is considered a highly specific marker for HCC, often elevated in cases where AFP is normal, making the combined panel crucial.

2. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

•    What it is: A protein produced primarily by the yolk sac and liver of a fetus. Levels drop significantly shortly after birth.
•    Significance: Elevated levels in adults are a well-established marker for primary liver cancer (HCC) and certain germ cell tumours (testicular and ovarian cancers).

3. Liver Function Test (LFT)

•    What it is: A group of blood tests that measure liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and proteins (Albumin, Total Protein) and Bilirubin.
•    Significance: It assesses current liver cell damage (elevated enzymes), bile duct obstruction (elevated ALP/GGT/Bilirubin), and the liver's synthetic capacity (low Albumin/Total Protein).

Understanding a PIVKA TOTAL Test Report: Range & Interpretation

The PIVKA TOTAL test provides a combined assessment of liver cancer risk and liver function by measuring PIVKA-II and Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), alongside standard liver function tests (LFTs). These results must be interpreted in the context of the patient’s clinical history, imaging findings, and overall risk profile.
Tumour Marker Reference Ranges (Typical Values)
 

Interpretation of Marker Patterns

Liver Function Test Interpretation

•    Elevated ALT and AST may indicate active liver cell injury due to inflammation, hepatitis, or tumour activity.
•    Elevated ALP and GGT suggest bile duct obstruction or cholestasis, which may be caused by tumours or biliary disease.
•    Low albumin levels reflect impaired liver synthetic function, often seen in advanced cirrhosis or chronic liver failure.
Important Note: Elevated tumour markers alone do not confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer. These results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging studies such as CT or MRI, and, when necessary, liver biopsy. The PIVKA TOTAL test is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach for liver disease and cancer surveillance.

Preparation and Procedure for PIVKA TOTAL Test

This comprehensive panel requires specific preparation due to the inclusion of the LFT components.

1. How is the Test Done?

The test requires a single blood sample (venipuncture) typically collected from a vein in your arm. The sample is then processed in the lab to run three separate assays for the various markers and LFT components.

2. Is Fasting Required for This Test?

Yes, fasting is generally required for the PIVKA TOTAL Profile because the LFT components (especially GGT, AST, and ALP) and associated metabolic parameters can be affected by recent food intake.
•    Fasting Rule: You should typically fast for 10 to 12 hours before the blood collection. Only plain water is permitted during the fasting period.

3. What Time of the Day Should I Undergo the Test?

Due to the fasting requirement, the test is typically scheduled in the morning.

4. How Frequently Should I Undergo the Test?

For high-risk patients (those with cirrhosis or chronic Hepatitis B/C), this test (or the tumour markers) is usually performed every 3 to 6 months as part of a regular HCC surveillance program, often alongside an ultrasound.

Booking PIVKA TOTAL Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 facilitates the booking and reporting process for this critical panel, ensuring speed and accessibility.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1.    Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the PIVKA TOTAL Profile.
2.    Confirm the latest PIVKA TOTAL Test price for your city and proceed to the 'Book Now' section.
3.    Select a convenient date and a morning time slot for home collection, keeping the 10-12 hour fasting requirement in mind.
4.    Complete the secure online payment.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1.    Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account.
2.    Navigate to the 'Health Records' or 'My Reports' section.
3.    Click on the completed PIVKA TOTAL Profile to view the detailed numerical report immediately.
4.    You can easily download the report in PDF format to share with your gastroenterologist or hepatologist for interpretation.

Conclusion

The PIVKA TOTAL test is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in individuals with underlying liver disease. By combining two tumour markers (PIVKA-II and Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)) with liver function tests, it offers a more comprehensive view of liver health and potential malignancy. Elevated levels of these markers, particularly when seen together, warrant further investigation through imaging and specialist consultation. While not definitive on their own, these results play a critical role in early detection, monitoring, and guiding clinical decisions in liver cancer care.