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Alpha fetoprotein
Fetal alpha globulin; AFP
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing baby during pregnancy. AFP levels go down soon after birth. It is likely that AFP has no normal function in adults.
A test can be done to measure the amount of AFP in your blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. Most of the time, blood is typically drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
Drawn from a vein
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
You do not need to take any special steps to prepare.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.
Why the Test is Performed
Your health care provider may order this test to:
- Screen for problems in the baby during pregnancy. (The test is done as part of a larger set of blood tests called quadruple screen.)
- Diagnose certain liver disorders.
- Screen for and monitor some cancers.
Normal Results
The normal values in males or nonpregnant females is generally less than 40 micrograms/liter.
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Greater than normal levels of AFP may be due to:
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Cancer
in
testes
, ovaries, biliary (liver secretion) tract, stomach, or pancreas
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTestes
The testes are 2 egg-shaped male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. They produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Liver cancer
Liver cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Malignant teratoma
Malignant teratoma
A teratoma is a type of cancer that contains one or more of the three layers of cells found in a developing baby (embryo). These cells are called ge...
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Recovery from hepatitis
Recovery from hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Problems during pregnancy
References
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics . 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010:chap 13.
Pincus MR, Bluth MH, McPherson RA. Diagnosis and management of cancer using serologic tumor markers. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 73.
Richards DS, Otano L, et al. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 11.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 9/26/2015
Reviewed By: Daniel N. Sacks MD, FACOG, obstetrics & gynecology in private practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
