Book DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test - Price, Purpose

Introduction

DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test is a blood test performed to detect and monitor hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-------the most common type of liver cancer and the third cause of cancer death.

PIVKA-II is a protein that acts as a promising serum biomarker for the HCC diagnosis and is more sensitive and specific to be used as a supplement for AFP. A healthcare provider may suggest a DCP (Decarboxy Prothrombin) test to help measure abnormal levels of a non-functional form of prothrombin. It is a protein involved in blood clotting and gets collected in the blood when there is a vitamin K deficiency or liver impairment. 

Prothrombin is also known as Des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP) and is increased in the sera of patients with HCC. A professional may suggest DCP if you have chronic liver disease, lack vitamin K, cause obstructive jaundice, and have abdominal pain and nausea. A DCP Pivka test can help detect the actual cause of HCC. 

So, why wait? Redcliffe Labs is just a call away, or you can book a DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test online. With Redcliffe Labs, you get home sample collection and timely reports. Early detection helps recognize symptoms and promote an early diagnosis to make informed decisions about your health.

Test Details:

What is the purpose of a DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test?

The DCP (Decarboxy Prothrombin), also known as the PIVKA-II, is a blood test that helps detect the vitamin K level and PIVKA-II in the blood. Your healthcare provider may order the test for several purposes, including.

1. It helps detect HCC: One of the primary purposes of the DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test is to help detect HCC in patients. The test becomes crucial when other markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), are normal.
2. Beneficial for people with chronic liver disease: The test is commonly prescribed if you have risk factors for chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B, or cirrhosis. Several factors such as alcohol abuse, viral infections, and genetic conditions can cause these. 
3. Helps monitor the risk of liver cancer: A doctor may also order the DCP (Decarboxy Prothrombin) test to monitor the risk of liver cancer. Additionally, he may also suggest the test to see whether the treatment for HCC patients (liver cancer) is effective. In liver cancer, a defective form of prothrombin (DCP/PIVKA-II), lacking vitamin K-related modifications. 
4. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): If your AFP test report, which is another marker for liver cancer, shows high levels, even then your doctor may suggest the test. The serum DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test is a more sensitive and specific tumor marker than AFP to enhance the early detection of HCC in patients with CHB.
5. Detects other diseases: A DCP test may detect other diseases that occur due to a lack of vitamin K, such as obstructive jaundice and intrahepatic cholestasis.

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider suggests the test, get yourself tested. He will examine you, analyze your reports, and guide you through for improved health outcomes.

Preparation for a DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test

Preparation for a DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test is simple. No strict guidelines to be followed, except to keep a few things in mind: 

• Do not drink alcohol or smoke before the test. 
• No fasting is required, allowing regular intake of water and meals before the test. 
• Avoid any kind of medicated tablets, ensuring no discrepancy before the sample collection. 

Note: Discuss your doubts with your healthcare professional before the test to get the most accurate test results. 

Procedure for the DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test

Below is a step-by-step procedure for the DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test: 

• The phlebotomist may tie a band around your arm and ask you to make a fist so the vein of your arm is visible. 
• Then, he will clean the site with a disinfectant to prevent infection. 
• Then, he will insert a sterile needle into the vein and collect the blood sample. 
• After collecting the blood, he will remove the syringe and apply a bandage to reduce the chances of infection. 
• The collected sample will be labeled and transferred into a vial or test tube. 

What are the risk factors associated with the test?

The DCP blood test is a low-risk test that includes: 

• Inserting or removing the needle when collecting blood from your vein may be slightly painful. However, the pain and bruises will fade away after a few days. 
• Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms do not go away in 2-3 days and you experience too much bleeding or infection.

What do the test results indicate?

The DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test detects vitamin K and PIVKA-II levels in the blood. The normal values for the DCP-Decaboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test for all age groups are 0-7.5 ng/mL. However, this range tends to vary depending on the lab’s reference range. 

If your DCP test results show abnormal results, this may mean high levels of PIVKA II. Elevated levels could indicate: 

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): High levels of DCP are strongly associated with liver cancer. The HCC is more than 90% responsible for the primary tumor of the liver. Your healthcare professional will typically order the DCP test periodically along with an AFP and/or AFP-L3% to track the changes over time. Decreased concentrations in your reports suggest a response to treatment. On the other hand, the increased levels after treatment show recurrence of HCC. 
• Chronic Liver Disease: Other reasons your test reports may also show an increase in DCP levels are chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, or other liver disorders. 
• Vitamin K deficiency or use of anticoagulant therapy: DCP rises when there is a lack of vitamin K. 

Note: Discuss your reports with your healthcare provider to know the cause of abnormalities in your DCP test results. You may have HCC without having elevated DCP levels. 

Who should take the DCP test?

The DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test is not recommended for the general population or healthy individuals. A healthcare provider may order the DCP occasionally in the following conditions: 

• Suffer from chronic liver disease: The test is crucial for those individuals with chronic liver disease such as hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. 
• High-risk individuals: A healthcare professional may suggest the test to those individuals who have a family history of liver cancer, or are in a high-risk group. These include alcohol-related liver disease. 
• Monitor liver cancer treatment: The doctors also suggest the test when they want to check how well the cure for cancer, including therapies such as chemotherapy, medicines, or even liver transplant, is working and check for cancer recurrence.

Common symptoms related to the DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test

Common symptoms that may prompt a doctor to recommend this test include: 

• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding (a sign of impaired liver function)
• Dark urine or pale stools

Book the DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II Test from Redcliffe Labs at an affordable price! 

You cannot delay when it is a matter of your health, as the results could be drastic. If your doctor has suggested the test, book now with Redcliffe Labs. Get yourself tested at a reasonable DCP-Decarboxy Prothrombin PIVKA-II test price. Express slots are also available, allowing samples to be collected within 45 minutes. We typically provide DCP test reports within five days.