Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein in blood. It may help evaluate certain liver and germ-cell tumors and is often interpreted with other tests.
["An AFP result is one piece of information that must be interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, and other laboratory findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53962-7
- Short code
- AFP-TM SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- AFP-TM SerPl-mCnc
- 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?
Alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, is a protein made by certain fetal and liver cells. This blood test measures its concentration in serum or plasma and may be used as a tumor marker.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order AFP to help evaluate a liver mass, investigate possible cancer elsewhere in the body, or monitor treatment for certain liver or germ-cell tumors. AFP can also be measured during pregnancy screening, although pregnancy changes the expected pattern.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein, usually in the arm. The laboratory measures the amount of AFP in the serum or plasma using an immunoassay or another validated method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. Tell the healthcare team if you are pregnant because this can affect how the result is interpreted.
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 certain liver and germ-cell tumors, but it can also result from benign liver disease, other medical conditions, or pregnancy. A decreased or changing AFP level may provide information when monitoring known disease. An abnormal result alone does not establish a cancer diagnosis and must be interpreted with imaging, symptoms, and other laboratory tests.
Short name
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Frequently asked questions
Does an elevated AFP level mean I have cancer?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Why does my clinician check AFP more than once?
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