Test Price
750 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP) / PIVKA-II Serum Test – Hepatocellular Carcinoma Marker, 750 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Processing (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139).
Premium Logistics: Paid Hospital-Grade Home Collection via ISO-Certified Cold-Chain and VIP Mobile Phlebotomy.
Clinical Guidance: Telephonic Post-Test Clinical Guidance for result interpretation by DHA-licensed specialists.
Insurance: Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP) / PIVKA-II serum test is a highly specific tumor marker used primarily for the detection and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in high-risk patients with chronic liver disease. It provides complementary information to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly in early-stage HCC where AFP may be normal. The test employs a fully automated Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) with a coefficient of variation below 5%, validated against LC-MS/MS reference standards.
| Feature | Our Test (DCP/PIVKA-II) | Closest Alternative (AFP Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) – coefficient of variation <5% | Immunoassay with variable sensitivity (50–60% for HCC) |
| Methodology | Fully automated CMIA, ISO-certified lab, validated against LC-MS/MS reference | Standard ELISA/CMIA, higher false-positive rate |
| Turnaround Time | Same-day report if sample received by 9 AM | 24–48 hours typical |
| Clinical Utility | Independent of liver function, detects early HCC with >90% specificity | Influenced by pregnancy, liver regeneration, false positives in cirrhosis |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“As a DHA-licensed Specialist Diagnostic Radiologist, I underscore that DCP/PIVKA-II results must be interpreted alongside cross-sectional imaging, AFP levels, and the full clinical profile. A single normal value does not exclude hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in early or small tumors, and any abnormal result necessitates prompt hepatology or oncology referral. I encourage patients to maintain consistent communication with their treating physician to correlate biomarker trends with radiological surveillance.”
— Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology (DHA Registration ID: 61713011)
Advisory & Precautions
⚠️ Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue prescribed anticoagulants, vitamin K antagonists, or chemotherapy agents without direct physician guidance. Abrupt cessation may lead to thromboembolic events or disease progression. Always inform your phlebotomist of all current medications.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion: Home collection is not available for patients with current active bleeding, hemodynamic instability, or known severe platelet dysfunction.
- Exclusion: Recent high-dose vitamin K supplementation (within 7 days) may falsely lower levels; please inform the phlebotomist.
- Red Flag: Seek immediate emergency care if you experience sudden severe right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or vomiting of blood after the test.
- Red Flag: A markedly elevated DCP (>100 ng/mL) in a patient with known cirrhosis demands urgent oncologic evaluation within 48 hours.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does the DCP/PIVKA-II serum test measure and when is it ordered?
This test quantifies abnormal des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin produced by hepatocellular carcinoma cells, enabling early cancer detection and treatment monitoring. Physicians order it when AFP is inconclusive or to improve diagnostic sensitivity for HCC, especially in patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B/C. A single measurement is never diagnostic; it must be combined with imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and clinical history for accurate assessment.
2. How should I prepare for the blood draw and when will I receive results?
No special fasting is required; simply provide a short clinical history and medication list – results are delivered same-day if collected by 9 AM. The test uses a standard serum sample (one SST) collected via our ISO-certified cold-chain home phlebotomy service. If medically safe, vitamin K supplements should be withheld for 24 hours prior to collection. Our lab processes specimens immediately upon arrival, and you will receive a secure digital report with DHA-compliant commentary.
3. Can a normal DCP/PIVKA-II level completely rule out liver cancer?
No, a normal result does not exclude hepatocellular carcinoma because early-stage tumors may not secrete sufficient marker, necessitating regular imaging and AFP surveillance. False negatives occur in up to 30% of small HCCs (<2 cm). Therefore, this test is part of a multimodal screening strategy that includes abdominal ultrasound and AFP every 6 months for at-risk individuals. Always discuss your individual risk profile with a gastroenterologist or oncologist.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
All clinical data and test results are processed in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Patient consent, specimen handling, and diagnostic reporting adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. DNA Labs UAE is a DHA-licensed facility (License No. 1143) operating under the highest standards of confidentiality and data security.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP) / PIVKA-II Serum Test |
| Price (AED) | 750 |
| Turnaround Time | Same-day report if sample received by 9 AM |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Serum (SST) |
| Methodology Used | Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C22.0, Z12.09 |
| LOINC Code | 30501-9 |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
دعم ثنائي اللغة متاح
التحقق من التغطية التأمينية
Check Insurance Coverage Instantly
Stop the guesswork. Send a photo of your Insurance Card and Doctor's Prescription to our DHA-Certified Verification Team on WhatsApp.
توقف عن التخمين. أرسل صورة من بطاقة التأمين ووصفة الطبيب إلى فريق التحقق المعتمد من هيئة الصحة بدبي عبر الواتساب. احصل على تحديث الحالة في دقائق.
Available in Arabic, English, Hindi & Urdu
ISMS 27001:2022
ISO Accredited
HIPAA
All reports reviewed by DHA-Certified physicians