Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test – Accurate Screening for Liver & Prenatal Health

Description

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test – Critical Tumor Marker & Prenatal Screening Tool

The Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a vital diagnostic blood test that measures levels of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein primarily produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus—and, in adults, by liver cancer cells or germ cell tumors.

This serum-based test plays a dual role in:

• Oncology: Monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), testicular, and ovarian cancers
• Prenatal Care: Screening for neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome) during the second trimester

Using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence technology, this test delivers accurate results within 3 days, making it essential for:

• Diagnosing and monitoring liver cancer in high-risk patients (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C)
• Evaluating germ cell tumors (testicular, ovarian)
• Assessing fetal development as part of the triple or quadruple screen
• Tracking treatment response in cancer patients

Available with home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures timely, accurate, and stress-free testing—so you can detect risks early and act fast.

Why You Need This Test

If you’re at risk for liver disease, cancer, or pregnancy complications, this test could save your life or protect your baby.

You need the AFP Test if:

• You have chronic hepatitis B or C or liver cirrhosis (high HCC risk)
• You’re being monitored for testicular or ovarian cancer
• You’ve had abnormal liver imaging (ultrasound, CT)
• You’re 15–20 weeks pregnant and due for prenatal screening
• You’re undergoing cancer treatment and need tumor marker tracking
• You have unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice

AFP is a key tumor marker—rising levels can signal cancer recurrence or progression.

For pregnant women, abnormal AFP levels may indicate serious fetal conditions—early detection allows for further diagnostics (amniocentesis, detailed ultrasound).

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the AFP Test if you experience:

✅ For Liver or Cancer Screening:

• Persistent abdominal pain or swelling
• Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• History of hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Diagnosis of testicular or ovarian mass

✅ For Prenatal Screening:

• Pregnancy at 15–20 weeks gestation
• Advanced maternal age (35+)
• Family history of birth defects
• Abnormal ultrasound findings

Even if you feel fine, silent liver cancer or fetal defects can be developing—this test detects them early.

Natural Production: How AFP Works in Fetus & Adults

• In Fetus: AFP is produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac and crosses into the mother’s blood.
  • Normal maternal AFP rises between 15–20 weeks
  • High AFP → Possible neural tube defect (e.g., spina bifida)
  • Low AFP → Possible Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
• In Adults: AFP is normally very low or undetectable
  • Elevated AFP in adults can indicate:
    • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) – 70–90% of liver cancers show elevated AFP
    • Germ Cell Tumors – especially non-seminomatous testicular cancer
    • Liver Regeneration – in acute hepatitis or cirrhosis (mild rise)
    • Pregnancy or Yolk Sac Tumors

This test helps differentiate benign liver disease from malignancy and guides fetal risk assessment.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring Abnormal AFP

Ignoring abnormal AFP levels can lead to:

⚠️ Advanced Liver Cancer – late diagnosis reduces survival rates
⚠️ Missed Fetal Abnormalities – leading to birth defects or stillbirth
⚠️ Delayed Cancer Treatment – tumor progression and metastasis
⚠️ Unnecessary Anxiety – if not properly interpreted with clinical context

The good news? Early detection improves outcomes:

• HCC caught early → curative options (resection, transplant)
• Prenatal detection → planning for delivery, neonatal care, or termination if chosen

This test is a lifesaving bridge between suspicion and action.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparing for the AFP Test is simple:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Continue your regular medications—but inform your doctor
✅ Pregnant women: Provide accurate gestational age (critical for correct interpretation)
✅ Avoid strenuous exercise before testing

A serum blood sample is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: High-Sensitivity Chemiluminescence Method

Normal Ranges:

• Adults (non-pregnant): <10 ng/mL
• Pregnant Women (15–20 weeks): 10–150 ng/mL (varies by gestational age)

Interpretation:

• >400 ng/mL in adults → High suspicion of HCC
• Moderate elevation (50–400 ng/mL) → Monitor with imaging
• High maternal AFP → Risk of open neural tube defect
• Low maternal AFP → Risk of Down syndrome

Results are reported with gestational age-adjusted multiples of median (MoM) for prenatal cases.

FAQs About the Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

Q: Can AFP be high without cancer?
A: Yes. Liver regeneration, hepatitis, or pregnancy can cause mild elevation. Always interpret with imaging and clinical history.

Q: Is AFP screening part of routine pregnancy care?
A: Yes. It’s included in the triple or quadruple screen at 15–20 weeks.

Q: Can men get this test?
A: Yes. Testicular cancer patients are routinely monitored with AFP.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for proactive liver or prenatal screening.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 3 business days, including AFP level and clinical notes.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. AFP is medically necessary—fully covered for liver monitoring and prenatal screening.

Whether you’re monitoring liver cancer risk, undergoing fertility treatment, or in your second trimester, the Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test gives you the answers you need in just 3 days.