Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker, Serum/Plasma — Concentration
A blood test that measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein that may rise in liver disease and certain cancers.
["AFP can help evaluate liver disease and support the evaluation or monitoring of certain cancers, but the result must be interpreted with other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53961-9
- Short code
- AFP-TM SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- AFP-TM SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 serum or plasma. AFP is a protein made mainly by the liver and certain fetal tissues. It is commonly used as a tumor marker, although it is not specific for cancer.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to help evaluate liver disease, investigate a suspected cancer, or monitor certain liver and germ-cell tumors. It may also be used alongside imaging and other laboratory tests rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory uses a laboratory method to measure the AFP concentration in the serum or plasma.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is not usually required for this test, but your clinician may give specific instructions. Tell the healthcare team if you are pregnant, because AFP is normally higher during pregnancy, and if you recently had liver surgery or another procedure involving the liver.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated AFP level may occur with liver damage or cirrhosis and with certain cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and some germ-cell tumors. AFP can also be increased during pregnancy, so results require careful interpretation. An isolated abnormal result does not establish a cancer diagnosis and is usually assessed with symptoms, imaging, and other tests.
Short name
AFP tumor marker blood test
Frequently asked questions
Does an elevated AFP level mean I have cancer?
Is the AFP test the same as a liver function test?
How is AFP used to monitor cancer?
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