Alpha1-fetoprotein

Assay |
Alpha-fetoprotein |
Key Words |
AFP |
Specimen Collection |
Serum (brown) Plasma (orange) |
Turnaround Time |
72hrs |
Test Indications |
AFP is an albumin like glycoprotein. AFP is used as a tumour marker for germ cell/testicular tumours and hepatocellular carcinomas. Germ cell/testicular tumours – used in diagnosis, prognosis, detecting recurrence and monitoring treatment. Hepatocellular carcinoma – used in screening at risk groups (patients with chronic hepatitis B/C or cirrhosis, in conjunction with ultrasonography), diagnosis (in conjunction with liver imaging a-fetoprotein levels of >200mg/L are virtually diagnostic in patients with hypervascular lesions), prognosis, detecting recurrence and monitoring treatment. Also raised in other cancers (colorectal, gastric, lung, pulmonary) and some benign conditions (liver regeneration). |
Limitations/Interferences |
No known common methodological interferences. |
Reference Range |
Less than 7 ng/mL |
4.5% |
|
36.6% |
|
Minimum retesting interval |
Requests made within 14 days of a previous result on a patient are intervened |