Alpha-fetoprotein blood test used in the diagnosis, follow-up, and recurrence monitoring of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and germ cell tumors.
Indication
- Diagnosis and follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Liver cancer screening support in cirrhosis patients (combined with imaging)
- Diagnosis/follow-up of germ cell testicular and ovarian tumors
- Monitoring treatment response and assessing recurrence
- Fetal anomaly screening in pregnancy (component of triple/quadruple screening)
- Periodic evaluation in chronic hepatitis B/C follow-up
Preparation
- No special fasting required
- Pregnancy status must be reported (reference range varies)
- Disclosure of any history of chronic liver disease
- Bringing previous AFP and imaging results
How it's performed
- A venous blood sample is drawn from the arm
- Measurement is performed on serum using immunological methods
- Result is reported in ng/mL
- In HCC follow-up, use together with liver ultrasound every 6 months is recommended
Post-procedure
- Regular measurement during treatment
- If values rise, abdominal imaging (US, MRI, CT) is performed
- Trend monitoring is more valuable than a single measurement
- Results are interpreted by a physician
Risks
- Minor bruising or tenderness related to blood draw
- False elevation in conditions such as pregnancy, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
- Normal values in early-stage HCC (false negative)
- Cannot establish diagnosis on its own; evaluated together with imaging
FAQ
Does an elevated AFP always mean liver cancer?
No. It can also rise in hepatitis, cirrhosis, pregnancy, and certain benign conditions. It is evaluated together with imaging.
I have cirrhosis — how often should AFP be checked?
Most guidelines recommend AFP and liver ultrasound every 6 months in cirrhosis patients. Follow your physician's recommendation.
Why is AFP measured during pregnancy?
It is part of second-trimester screening for fetal neural tube defects and chromosomal anomalies; it does not establish a diagnosis on its own.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Liver Function Tests
Medical Biochemistry
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin tests evaluating hepatocyte injury and the biliary tract.
Complete blood count
Medical Biochemistry
Complete blood count (CBC) — a basic screening test that measures the numbers and ratios of blood cells.
Fasting Blood Glucose
Medical Biochemistry
Fasting glucose test — a basic laboratory test for diabetes screening and blood sugar monitoring.
HbA1c
Medical Biochemistry
HbA1c — glycated hemoglobin test that reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.
Lipid panel
Medical Biochemistry
Lipid panel — measurement of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Urine Culture
Medical Biochemistry
Urine culture — identification of the bacterium growing in the urine and determination of antibiotic susceptibility.
Blood Culture
Medical Biochemistry
Blood culture — identification of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Medical Biochemistry
ESR — a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle, used to assess inflammation in the body.