Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) - Serum Test - Price, Normal Range | Sprint Diagnostics Hyderabad

Serum AFP testing is typically performed to monitor and diagnose certain diseases. Elevated AFP levels in adults can be a sign of liver disease, liver cancer, or cancers of the testes or ovaries. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these types of cancer.

The test is performed on a sample of blood. A needle is inserted into a vein, typically in your arm, to collect the blood sample. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, where the AFP levels are measured.

A healthcare provider might order an AFP test if a patient has symptoms that suggest liver disease or cancer, or if the patient has certain risk factors for these conditions. This test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for liver cancer, testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Results are usually reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). High levels of AFP can suggest the presence of certain conditions, such as liver disease or cancer. However, the AFP test is not definitive—other tests will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

High levels of AFP in the serum can be a sign of liver disease or certain types of cancer, including liver, testes, and ovaries. It's important to note that AFP is not solely specific to these conditions and elevated levels can also be seen in other situations.

Certain medications and health conditions can affect the level of AFP. Pregnancy is one such condition that can significantly increase AFP levels, as the protein is produced in large amounts in the developing fetus.

There is very little risk associated with drawing blood for this test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but these symptoms should go away quickly.

There's no special preparation required for an AFP test. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications you're taking as some could affect the test results.

The turnaround time for serum AFP testing is typically 1-2 days. However, this can depend on the lab that is processing the test.

The AFP test is not typically used for cancer screening in the general population due to its lack of specificity. It can, however, be used as part of a monitoring strategy for people who are at high risk for certain types of cancer, such as those with chronic liver disease.

AFP is often used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain types of cancer and may also be used to detect recurrence. If levels drop in response to treatment and then start to rise again, it may indicate that the cancer has returned.

The AFP test is not definitive—other tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis. High levels of AFP can be seen in conditions other than cancer, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. AFP levels can also vary among individuals, and not all people with cancers that elevate AFP will have elevated levels.

Other tests often performed in conjunction with serum AFP testing include liver function tests, imaging studies, and other tumor markers like CA 19-9 for pancreatic cancer or CEA for colorectal cancer.

This information should be interpreted in the context of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Always discuss these test results and any concerns with your healthcare provider.