AFP — Alpha-Fetoprotein (Alpha-Fetoprotein, Serum)
Oncomarker of primary liver cancer. Used for germ cell tumors. Applied for assessment of fetal developmental defect risk. May be elevated in chronic liver diseases.
What the test evaluates:
- Alpha-fetoprotein level in blood serum
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Draw blood fasting
Medications:
- Hormonal and antitumor therapy may affect results
- Inform physician of all medications taken
- Therapy discontinuation only by physician prescription
Recommended for:
- Liver and testicular tumors
- Liver diseases
- Pregnancy
Results evaluated considering clinical data, gestational age (if applicable), and instrumental study results.
Normal: AFP within reference values; no laboratory signs of active tumor process
Elevated AFP: possible in hepatocellular carcinoma; characteristic of germ cell tumors; may occur in cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, active liver damage; physiologically elevated in pregnancy
Minor elevation is not an independent diagnosis.
