Alpha-Fetoprotein Tumor Marker (Blood)

Does this take a look at produce other names?

AFP

What is that this take a look at?

It is a blood take a look at to search for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood.

AFP is generally made by a fetus’s liver and yolk sac. It is the primary protein through the first 3 months of improvement. AFP tremendously decreases by age 1 and will solely be present in adults in very low ranges.

AFP is certainly one of a number of tumor markers. Tumor markers are molecules within the blood which are greater when an individual has sure cancers. AFP is discovered primarily in liver most cancers and germ cell tumors of the testicles or ovaries, that are uncommon. These are discovered within the pineal gland within the mind.

Some folks with cirrhosis or persistent energetic hepatitis even have greater blood ranges of AFP. AFP can be greater in folks with the uncommon genetic situation ataxia-telangiectasia.

Why do I want this take a look at?

Chances are you’ll want this take a look at in case your healthcare supplier thinks you could have liver most cancers, testicular most cancers, or cancers of the mind, mediastinum (chest), or blood.

This take a look at can be used to trace most cancers remedy, or see if most cancers has come again after remedy.

What different exams may I’ve together with this take a look at?

In case your healthcare supplier thinks you could have liver most cancers, you may additionally have exams resembling:

Liver operate exams (LFTs). These exams have a look at the a part of your liver that’s not affected by most cancers to see how effectively your liver is working. The exams search for ranges of sure substances in your blood, resembling bilirubin, albumin, ALP, AST, ALT, and GGT.

Blood clotting exams. Your liver makes proteins that assist your blood clot. You will have blood exams, resembling prothrombin time (PT), to learn how effectively your liver makes these proteins and to take a look at your danger of bleeding.

Blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, and creatinine degree exams. These present how effectively your kidneys are working.

Full blood depend, or CBC. This take a look at measures the extent of your pink blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which assist blood to clot. It additionally reveals how effectively your bone marrow is working. Your marrow is the place new blood cells are made.

Electrolytes and blood chemistry exams. Blood chemistry exams test the degrees of sure substances in your blood, resembling calcium, potassium, and glucose. For instance, your blood calcium and levels of cholesterol can rise when you’ve liver most cancers, whereas your glucose degree could fall.

Viral hepatitis exams. Hepatitis B and C are linked to liver most cancers, so you could have exams for viral hepatitis.

You may additionally have exams for different tumor markers in your blood, together with:

Your healthcare supplier is also prone to order imaging exams, resembling ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, or a biopsy to test for various cancers.

What do my take a look at outcomes imply?

Take a look at outcomes could range relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your take a look at outcomes could also be totally different relying on the lab used. AFP might be excessive in adults who’re pregnant or who’ve liver illness or some cancers. However, a excessive degree doesn’t all the time imply there’s a downside. Ask your healthcare supplier what your take a look at outcomes imply for you.

AFP is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). AFP ranges in males and non-pregnant ladies range for age and race. Usually, an AFP degree between 0 ng/mL to 10 ng/ml and even as much as 40 ng/mL might be regular for adults However regular ranges range, so discuss along with your healthcare supplier about what your outcomes imply for you.

A particularly excessive degree of AFP in your blood—better than 400 ng/mL—may very well be an indication of liver tumors.

Excessive ranges of AFP could imply different cancers, together with Hodgkin illness, lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney most cancers).

Not all folks with these cancers may have an elevated AFP. And elevated AFP ranges additionally may very well be an indication of cirrhosis or persistent acute hepatitis.

How is that this take a look at executed?

The take a look at is finished with a blood pattern. A needle is used to attract blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

Does this take a look at pose any dangers?

Having a blood take a look at with a needle carries some dangers. These embody bleeding, an infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, chances are you’ll really feel a slight sting or ache. Afterward, the location could also be sore.

What may have an effect on my take a look at outcomes?

In case you are pregnant, your serum AFP degree could also be greater than regular. If in case you have hepatitis or cirrhosis, your AFP degree may additionally be elevated.

In the event you had most cancers and the remedy labored, your AFP ranges must be regular.

How do I prepare for this take a look at?

You need not put together for this take a look at. Make certain your healthcare supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you’re taking. This contains medicines that do not want a prescription and any road medicine chances are you’ll use.