Alpha Feto Protein (AFP)
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Tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors; also monitored during pregnancy.
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🧪 Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) – Serum Test
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum |
Sample Type | Blood (serum) |
Fasting Required? | ❌ Not required |
Method | Immunoassay (e.g., CLIA, ELISA) |
Normal Range | <10 ng/mL (non-pregnant adults) – may vary slightly by lab |
🧬 What is AFP?
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. In non-pregnant adults, AFP levels are usually low.
Elevated AFP levels in adults can be a marker for certain cancers or liver conditions.
🧠 Organs Involved
- Liver – Primary organ for AFP-associated diseases
- Testes / Ovaries – Germ cell tumors
- Fetal tissues – In prenatal screening
🎯 Uses of AFP Test
🔹 In Adults:
Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma – HCC) | AFP often elevated in HCC |
Germ Cell Tumors | Especially nonseminomatous testicular cancer or ovarian tumors |
Monitoring Treatment | Check recurrence or response after surgery or chemotherapy |
Liver Cirrhosis / Hepatitis B | Can mildly elevate AFP, but not diagnostic of cancer |
🔹 In Pregnancy:
- As part of maternal serum screening (Triple/Quad Screen)
- High or low levels may indicate neural tube defects or Down syndrome risk
📊 Interpretation of Results (Adults)
AFP Level (ng/mL) | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
<10 | Normal |
10–500 | Possible liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis |
>500 | Strong indicator of Hepatocellular Carcinoma or germ cell tumor |
A single elevated AFP is not diagnostic—needs imaging and clinical correlation.
🔗 Recommended Further Diagnostics
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Ultrasound / CT / MRI of Liver | Imaging to detect liver mass if AFP is high |
Liver Function Test (LFT) | Correlate liver enzyme status and function |
Hepatitis B/C testing | Underlying cause of cirrhosis or HCC |
Beta-hCG and LDH | For germ cell tumor workup (combined tumor marker panel) |
Testicular / Pelvic Ultrasound | If tumor suspected in gonads |
🚺 In Pregnancy: AFP as Maternal Serum Screening
AFP Level in Pregnancy | Associated Risk |
|---|---|
High AFP | Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida), multiple pregnancy |
Low AFP | Down syndrome, trisomy 18 |
Usually done between 15–20 weeks of gestation as part of Triple/Quad screen.
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) |
|---|---|
Used For | Liver cancer, testicular tumors, pregnancy screening |
Target Organs | Liver, gonads (testes/ovaries), fetal tissues (during pregnancy) |
When Ordered | Cancer screening, high-risk hepatitis/cirrhosis, prenatal care |
Next Steps If Elevated | Imaging, tumor marker panel, liver function test |
How our test process works!
