Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum/Plasma — Immunoassay
Measures AFP in blood to help evaluate liver disease, track certain liver cancers, and assess AFP levels during pregnancy.
["An AFP blood test can provide information about liver activity, certain cancers, and pregnancy, but results must be interpreted with other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90293-2
- Short code
- Liver cancer Ab + AFP pnl SerPl IA
- Synonyms
- Liver cancer Ab + AFP pnl SerPl IA
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- 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?
This test measures alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made primarily by the developing liver and fetal tissues. It is commonly used to monitor people with liver cancer and may also be part of certain pregnancy or testicular cancer evaluations.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order AFP to track response to treatment for liver cancer or evaluate a liver-related concern. It may also be used when AFP is measured as part of a broader tumor marker panel, and during pregnancy as part of screening for certain fetal conditions.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in a laboratory using an immunoassay. The laboratory reports the AFP concentration in the sample, and your clinician interprets it along with your medical history, examination, imaging, and other tests.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed for an AFP blood test, and fasting is generally not required unless your clinician requests it. Tell the laboratory if you are pregnant, because AFP results are interpreted differently during pregnancy.
Reference range
Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher AFP level can occur with liver cancer, but it can also result from other liver conditions, pregnancy, or certain germ cell tumors. A lower or normal AFP level does not by itself rule out liver cancer. Results should therefore be considered together with imaging, liver function tests, symptoms, and your medical history.
Short name
AFP blood test
Frequently asked questions
Does a high AFP result mean I have liver cancer?
Is AFP used to screen for liver cancer?
Why is AFP checked during pregnancy?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy