AFP ( Alpha Feto Protein ) Test

* What Is Alpha Feto protain ?

  • A protain produced by unborn baby in yolk sae &  Liver
  • This protain may be abnormally produced in certain Liver Cancers.  

             
              

* What is Alpha Feto protain Test ?

  • A test That measures the amount of alpha Feto protain in Blood.

                            

* Why Is This Test Done ?

  • Part Of pregnancy in triple marker test
  • May be performed as tumour marker in case of suspicion of cancer .
  • Non - Cancerous conditions like hepatitis & cirrhosis may increase levels of AFP .

                           

* What are normal values for this test ?

  • For an adult male/female , values 40 micrograms per Liter .
  • If done as monitoring in pregnant females , Higher Levels may indicate neural tube defect .
  • Lower levels , indicate congenital disease like , down  Syndrome & Edwards syndrome .

                      

* If Levels of AFP are abnormal , What should be done ?

  • Abnormal levels of AFP in pregnant females doesn't Mean birth defect , history , physical & radiological Exam should be done .  
  • Amniocentesis may be required for confirmation of Diagnosis .
  • If the test is +ve as as tumour marker
  • It doesn't mean the person has cancers .