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Alpha Feto Protein
Detecting Biomarkers for Comprehensive Liver and Pregnancy Health Assessment
৳1120
৳1400
20% OFF
Sample Type
blood
Fasting Required
No
Description
The purpose of this screening test is to find out which women have a higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect. It is also used to find the women who need additional testing during pregnancy. Without the AFP test, some women would not be given additional testing.
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How our test process works!
The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) test measures the level of AFP, a protein produced by the fetal liver, in the blood. It is used in both prenatal screening and to detect certain cancers.
Key points:
-
Prenatal Screening:
- Used to check for neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome) in the developing fetus.
- Typically performed between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy.
-
Cancer Detection:
- Used as a tumor marker, especially for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), testicular cancer, and ovarian cancer.
- Elevated AFP in adults can indicate liver disease, cancer, or cirrhosis.
-
Normal Range:
- In pregnant women: Normal levels vary by gestational age.
- In non-pregnant adults: AFP levels are usually less than 10 ng/mL.
Abnormal AFP levels require further testing to determine the underlying cause.
Neural Tube Defects, Down Syndrome, Liver Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Chronic Liver Diseases Like Hepatitis And Cirrhosis
AFP levels in
Normal Range
Men and non-pregnant women
0 ng/ml - 40 ng/ml
Pregnant women (15th week to 20th week)
10 ng/ml - 150 ng/ml
If you have high levels of AFP in the Alpha-Fetoprotein test result during pregnancy -
Your baby might have a neural tube defect known as spina bifida. It is a condition where the spine's bones do not close around the spinal cord like they usually should.
Your baby might have anencephaly. It is a condition where the brain does not develop properly.
Your baby might have an omphalocele. It is a condition where the abdominal wall of the baby has not developed. The infant's internal organs, like the liver, intestines, and stomach, stick outside the belly via the belly button.
Your baby might have gastroschisis. It is a condition where the abdominal wall of the baby has not formed correctly. The infant's internal organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines stick out of a hole next to the belly button.
If you have low levels of AFP in the Alpha-Fetoprotein test result during pregnancy -
Your baby might have a genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome. It is a condition that causes intellectual and developmental issues in your newborn baby.
False-positive Alpha-Fetoprotein test results during pregnancy can be due to -
Wrong calculation of the due date. You did not test during the 16th to 18th week of your pregnancy, and AFP levels do not match the normal range.
You have multiple babies developing in your womb. Twins or triplets mean double or triple the amount of AFP being produced than normal.
Gestational diabetes.
Cigarette smoking.
If you have high levels of AFP in the Alpha-Fetoprotein test result as an adult -
You probably have cancers like liver cancer, ovarian cancer in women, and testicular cancer (germ cell tumours) in men.
You could also have other cancers like stomach cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, or lymphoma.
You might have liver cirrhosis or hepatitis.
You might have ataxia-telangiectasia - a rare inherited disorder that affects your immune system and nervous system.
If you are under cancer treatment and the Alpha-Fetoprotein test results are used for monitoring the progress, the test results may be as follows -
AFP levels are increasing - Cancer is spreading and/or the treatment is not working.
AFP levels are decreasing - Cancer treatment is working.
AFP levels have not changed - Cancer is stable. Treatment may or may not be working.
AFP levels decreased initially and then increased - Cancer was treated fully at first but is now returning or relapsing.
Consult your doctor to interpret your results correctly and get the right kind of treatment.
The Alpha-Fetoprotein Test cannot tell you -
The type of congenital disability or genetic disorder that your unborn baby is suffering.
The type of cancer you are suffering from as an adult.
What is a normal AFP level?
The normal range of AFP levels in the Alpha-Fetoprotein test results are as follows -
AFP levels in
Normal Range
Men and non-pregnant women
0 ng/ml - 40 ng/ml
Pregnant women (15th week to 20th week)
10 ng/ml - 150 ng/ml
What are the issues with the Alpha-Fetoprotein test?
Certain factors may interfere with the AFP test and lead to falsely elevated levels (false-positive test results). These include:
Multiple gestations (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.)
Gestational diabetes
Cigarette smoking
The Alpha-Fetoprotein test results show Alpha-Fetoprotein levels in the blood or urine sample for pregnant women and the blood sample for adults. This test only helps screen or detect the presence of a congenital disability in the foetus and cancers in adults. It cannot diagnose the type of congenital disability and cancers.
The Alpha-Fetoprotein test is done by taking a blood sample in pregnant women. This test can also be done using a sample of amniotic fluid or a urine sample for pregnant women. When used as a tumour marker, the Alpha-Fetoprotein test is done using only the blood sample.
Alpha-Fetoprotein Test Preparation
The Alpha-Fetoprotein test takes a sample of your blood for testing. In pregnant women, the Alpha-Fetoprotein test is conducted by taking a blood sample, a urine sample, or even a sample of the amniotic fluid. In adults, when the Alpha-Fetoprotein test is used as a tumour marker, the test requires a blood sample.
a. Before the Alpha-Fetoprotein test
This test does not require any preparation from your end. However, if this test is done while pregnant, you need to know your due date properly. The idea is to calculate the period between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy for accurate results. Also, if this test is being done as a tumour marker, you need to inform your physician about your symptoms.
b. During the Alpha-Fetoprotein test
It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the
test in any way.
c. After the Alpha-Fetoprotein test
There are no restrictions after the Alpha-Fetoprotein test. You can resume normal activity.
Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included in the Alpha-Fetoprotein Test?
The Alpha-Fetoprotein test report detects the Alpha-Fetoprotein levels in the blood, urine, or amniotic fluid sample.
How Frequently Should You Take The Alpha-Fetoprotein Test?
Based on your symptoms, your doctor may repeat the Alpha-Fetoprotein test.
The test is first conducted around the 14th and 22nd week of pregnancy to check for congenital disabilities.
When the Alpha-Fetoprotein test is used as a tumour marker, then the test is repeated every 3-6 months to check for the prognosis of cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Question
While elevated AFP levels are associated with certain medical conditions, they are not diagnostic on their own and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.
AFP levels may be elevated in conditions such as liver disease, certain types of cancer (particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors), and certain fetal abnormalities.
The AFP test involves a simple blood draw, typically from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Normal AFP levels vary depending on the laboratory and the patient's age and gender. In adults, normal AFP levels are typically less than 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In liver disease, management strategies may include medications, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, liver transplantation. In cancer, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.
AFP testing provides valuable information about liver function, cancer diagnosis and monitoring, and fetal health assessment, helping guide diagnosis and management decisions in various medical conditions.
Elevated AFP levels may indicate various medical conditions, including liver disease (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis), certain types of cancer (such as liver cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer), and certain fetal abnormalities (such as neural tube defects).
In fetal development, AFP plays a role in transporting nutrients from the mother to the fetus. After birth, AFP levels decrease significantly in the bloodstream of healthy individuals.
Additional tests may include imaging studies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and other blood tests (such as liver function tests and tumor markers).
An abnormal AFP test means you may have or be at an increased risk of certain tumours as an adult. It may also mean you have chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis. An abnormally high AFP level in pregnancy means your baby may be at an increased risk of congenital disabilities. An unusually low level in pregnancy may indicate that your baby has genetic abnormalities like Down Syndrome.
AFP levels may be monitored periodically to assess response to treatment and disease progression in patients with liver disease, cancer, or other conditions associated with AFP elevation.
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. It is also produced by certain tumors and may be elevated in certain medical conditions.
Certain medications may affect AFP levels, but the impact is generally minimal compared to the influence of underlying medical conditions.
Report in 12 hours
Booked 17 times
Alpha Feto Protein
Detecting Biomarkers for Comprehensive Liver and Pregnancy Health Assessment
৳1120
৳1400
20% OFF
Sample Type
blood
Fasting Required
No
Description
The purpose of this screening test is to find out which women have a higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect. It is also used to find the women who need additional testing during pregnancy. Without the AFP test, some women would not be given additional testing.
Covid Safety
Assured
Free Report
Counselling