AFP (Alpha Feto Protein) Test

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AFP (Alpha Feto Protein) Test

The AFP (Alpha Feto Protein) Test is a diagnostic test used to measure the levels of alpha fetoprotein in the blood. Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein usually produced by the liver of a developing fetus. Abnormal AFP levels are an indication of various disease conditions related to liver and certain cancers. In adults, this protein is permanently in low levels in the blood. This test enables diagnosis of a wide range of cancers such as liver cancer, testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer, assess the risk of neural tube defect, and detect any other fetal abnormalities during the pregnancy.

Overview of the Key Aspects of AFP Test

Important and Purpose of AFP Test: 

Elevated levels of alpha fetoprotein in the blood are an indication of different cancers including liver, ovarian, and testicular cancers. During pregnancy, elevated AFP in maternal blood or amniotic fluid indicates neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly which can help doctors determine further diagnosis and treatment options.

Procedure: 

●       Patients will be asked to wear loose clothing that keeps their arms free.

●       The healthcare provider will then collect the blood sample from the vein in the arm of the patient with a sterile need and collect the sample in a collection tube.

●       The blood sample will be then sent to laboratory for future analysis wherein the levels of AFP will be measured.

●       The laboratory will then generate reports that includes the AFP levels which are often expressed in ng/ml.

●       The reported AFP levels will then be interpreted by healthcare providers where they will consider various factors to determine if additional testing is required.

●       If the results are abnormal, further testing may be recommended to help in identification of the underlying causes.

●       If AFP test is used for prenatal screening, further testing may be required in case of abnormal levels to determine the risk of neural tube defects or other abnormalities.

Benefits: 

●       Enables early detection of health conditions allowing for timely medical intervention

●       Helpful in cancer detection and treatment monitoring

●       Helpful in evaluation of liver health and functioning, particularly in cases of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis

●       Provides detailed information about any neural tube defect or fetal abnormalities to determine if further testing is required

Patients must inform their healthcare providers about their medical history and any recent diagnostic tests that have been performed so as to help in accurate analysis. In case a patient is pregnant, she should discuss with the healthcare provider about the reason for this test which can help in preparation for the test. Patients must inform their healthcare providers of any medications or herbal remedies they are taking as some medications can interfere with the AFP results. Patients must also inform the healthcare provider if they have any history of liver disease for accurate diagnosis.