Alpha-Fetoprotein, Serum/Plasma — Immunoassay, Concentration
A blood test that measures alpha-fetoprotein, a protein often used to help evaluate certain liver and germ-cell tumors and to monitor treatment.
["An elevated AFP result can occur with several conditions and must be interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging, and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 83072-9
- Short code
- AFP SerPl IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- AFP SerPl IA-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
- Method
- ia
- 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?
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test measures AFP in blood drawn from a vein. AFP is a protein made mainly by the developing liver and fetus and may also be produced by some tumors.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may order AFP to help evaluate liver masses, suspected liver cancer, or certain germ-cell tumors. It may also be used to monitor response to treatment or recurrence of cancer. During pregnancy, AFP can be measured as part of certain prenatal screening tests.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected by venipuncture and sent to a laboratory, where AFP is measured using an immunoassay. The laboratory may report the result as a concentration with the units and reference interval specified by the testing laboratory.
How do I prepare for the test?
This test usually does not require fasting. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, recently had surgery or significant injury, or have liver disease, because these factors can affect the AFP level. Follow any preparation instructions provided by the ordering clinician or laboratory.
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 level may occur with certain liver or germ-cell cancers, but it can also result from pregnancy, chronic liver disease, acute liver injury, and recent surgery or trauma. A low AFP level is less commonly informative on its own. Results should be interpreted with the overall clinical picture, imaging findings, and other laboratory tests; trends over time may be especially useful during cancer monitoring.
Short name
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test
Frequently asked questions
Is an elevated AFP level proof that I have cancer?
Why is my AFP level checked more than once?
Does the AFP blood test require fasting?
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