Alpha-Fetoprotein, Amniotic Fluid — Mass Concentration
Measures alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid to help evaluate certain fetal conditions during pregnancy.
["This prenatal test helps assess the likelihood of some fetal developmental or chromosomal conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1832-5
- Short code
- AFP Amn-mCnc
- Synonyms
- AFP Amn-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82105
- SNOMED
- 394971007
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein made by the developing fetus. This test measures the amount of AFP in amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding the fetus during pregnancy.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of a prenatal evaluation, particularly when amniotic fluid is collected for genetic testing. Results can provide information about the risk of certain fetal conditions, including problems involving neural tube closure, the abdominal wall, or chromosomes.
How is the test performed?
Amniotic fluid is usually collected during an amniocentesis procedure using a needle inserted through the abdomen with ultrasound guidance. A laboratory measures the AFP concentration in the collected fluid.
How do I prepare for the test?
AFP is generally measured in a sample already collected for amniocentesis, so there is usually no separate preparation for the AFP test itself. Follow your pregnancy care team's instructions for the amniocentesis procedure, including any restrictions on activity or medication before it.
Reference range
Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An AFP concentration that is higher or lower than expected may be associated with certain fetal conditions, including neural tube defects, abdominal wall abnormalities, or chromosomal differences. Results should be interpreted with the gestational age and other prenatal test findings by your clinician. An abnormal AFP result does not by itself confirm a fetal condition.
Short name
Amniotic fluid AFP
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the maternal serum AFP test?
How is amniotic fluid collected?
Does an abnormal result mean the fetus has a condition?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy