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Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum/Plasma — Analyte Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test that measures alpha-fetoprotein, a protein associated with fetal development, liver disease, and certain tumors.

Quick summary

["An elevated or rapidly changing AFP level may prompt further evaluation, but it does not diagnose a specific condition by itself."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19176-7
Short code
AFP SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
AFP SerPl-aCnc
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?

This test measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in blood. AFP is a protein made mainly by the developing fetal liver and by certain tissues in adults.

Why might I need this test?

AFP may be measured to help evaluate certain liver conditions, track the response to treatment for some tumors, or assess a pregnancy when the risk of a fetal neural tube defect or other abnormality is a concern.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected, usually by drawing blood from a vein. The laboratory measures AFP using a laboratory method, and the result is reported as a concentration in the blood.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow any instructions provided by your clinician. Some laboratories request fasting for this test, particularly when AFP is being used for tumor monitoring, but fasting is not always required.

Reference range

Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Frequently asked questions

Does an abnormal AFP result mean I have cancer?
No. Elevated AFP can have several causes, including liver inflammation and other noncancerous conditions. AFP is interpreted together with your medical history and other test results.
Is the same AFP test used during pregnancy and for tumor monitoring?
The same measurement may be used for different purposes. During pregnancy, it can help assess the risk of certain fetal abnormalities; during cancer care, it may help track tumor activity or treatment response.
Do I need to fast before this test?
It depends on the laboratory and the reason for testing. Some providers recommend fasting, especially for routine tumor monitoring, so ask your clinician or laboratory before the blood draw.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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