Serum Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To screen for and monitor therapy for certain cancers of the liver and testes

When this test is required

Your doctor or a healthcare professional will request an AFP blood test if: liver cancer or certain cancers of the testis are suspected if you are under treatment for these cancers if you have previously been treated for one of these cancers if you have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.

What the Test Detects

AFP is a protein that is normally produced by the developing foetus. However, AFP can also be produced by certain tumours and diseases of the liver. Raised concentrations of AFP are found in the majority of patients with a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma and also in some patients with cancer of the testis.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm

Additional Notes

In general, the higher the AFP result in patients with cancer, the bigger the tumour or spread if there are liver secondaries. AFP decreases when your body responds to anti-cancer therapy. If AFP does not return to normal within about one month after cancer therapy, some of the tumour may still be present.An increase in AFP after remission suggests recurrence of the tumour. However, tumours originally producing AFP may recur without an increase in AFP concentration.

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