ALPHA FETO PROTEIN(AFP) Detail

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver. In adults, elevated levels can be associated with certain types of cancer or liver diseases. The AFP test is used for both diagnostic and screening purposes.

Clinical Applications:

🔹 In Adults:

• Screening for liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)

• Monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence of liver cancer

• Diagnosing germ cell tumors of the testes or ovaries

🔹 In Pregnancy (Maternal Serum AFP):

• To screen for fetal neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida)

• May also help detect Down syndrome or abdominal wall defects in the fetus

• Usually measured between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy

Normal Range:

• Non-pregnant adults: Less than 10 ng/mL

• Higher levels may require further testing or imaging

Elevated AFP May Indicate:

• Liver diseases (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis)

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

• Germ cell tumors

• In pregnancy: Neural tube defects in the fetus