Alpha-Fetoprotein, Serum/Plasma — Interpretive Result, Immunoassay
An AFP blood test measures a protein associated with fetal development, liver disease, and certain tumors. It is often used alongside other findings rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.
["An abnormal AFP result may reflect liver disease, pregnancy, or another condition and should be interpreted with your other test results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41274-2
- Short code
- AFP Interp SerPl-Imp
- Synonyms
- AFP Interp SerPl-Imp
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, is a protein made mainly by the developing fetal liver and by certain other tissues. This test measures the amount of AFP in serum or plasma from a blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
AFP may help evaluate liver disease and can assist with monitoring people who have been treated for certain liver or germ-cell tumors. It may also be measured during pregnancy in certain circumstances.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein. The serum or plasma sample is analyzed in the laboratory using an immunoassay, and the result is reported with an interpretation when appropriate.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for a routine AFP blood test, but follow any instructions from your healthcare provider or laboratory. Tell the care team if you are pregnant because pregnancy can affect the AFP level.
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 elevated AFP may occur with liver inflammation or damage, pregnancy, and certain cancers, including some liver and germ-cell tumors. A low AFP is less specific and may occur in many people, including some with liver disease. Because AFP can rise or fall for reasons other than cancer, an abnormal result alone does not diagnose a tumor; your clinician will interpret it with your medical history, examination, and other tests.
Short name
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test
Frequently asked questions
Does an abnormal AFP result mean I have cancer?
Why might my AFP level be monitored over time?
Does pregnancy affect the AFP result?
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.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy