Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
A blood test that measures alpha-fetoprotein, a protein associated with fetal development, liver activity, and certain tumors.
["Elevated AFP may reflect liver disease, pregnancy, or certain tumors and should be interpreted by your clinician."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49585-3
- Short code
- AFP MoM c/o MoM SerPl
- Synonyms
- AFP MoM c/o MoM SerPl
- 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 primarily by the liver and developing fetal tissue. This test measures its concentration in a serum or plasma blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
AFP may be checked to help assess liver disease, follow certain liver or germ-cell tumors, or evaluate a pregnancy when other screening results are concerning. It is different from the broader prenatal screening panel that uses several maternal and fetal markers.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow. The sample is processed by the laboratory, which measures the amount of AFP present.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required for an AFP blood test, but your clinician may give specific instructions. Tell the laboratory if you are pregnant because pregnancy can affect the AFP result.
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 pregnancy, chronic or acute liver injury, cirrhosis, and certain liver or germ-cell tumors. Benign liver conditions can also raise AFP, so an abnormal result does not by itself establish cancer. A low or decreasing AFP may be meaningful in certain situations, particularly when a clinician is monitoring a known AFP-producing tumor; your healthcare professional will interpret the result with your medical history and other tests.
Short name
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose cancer?
Does pregnancy affect the AFP result?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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