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Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum/Plasma — Immunoassay

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

Measures alpha-fetoprotein in blood. AFP may be used with other tests to evaluate suspected liver cancer and monitor certain liver conditions.

Quick summary

["An elevated AFP can occur with liver cancer but is not specific enough to diagnose cancer by itself."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
90292-4
Short code
Liver cancer Ab + AFP SerPl-Imp
Synonyms
Liver cancer Ab + AFP SerPl-Imp
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
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 blood test measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced mainly by the liver during fetal development and by certain liver cells later in life.

Why might I need this test?

AFP may be checked when liver cancer is suspected, when other imaging or liver findings need further evaluation, or during follow-up of certain liver conditions. It is usually interpreted together with imaging, medical history, and other laboratory tests.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected, and AFP is measured using an immunoassay. The laboratory analyzes the serum or plasma portion of the sample.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. Tell the laboratory if you take biotin supplements, because some immunoassays may be affected.

Reference range

Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An elevated AFP may occur with liver cancer, but it can also result from other liver conditions, including inflammation or injury, and sometimes from pregnancy. A normal AFP does not completely exclude liver cancer. Results should therefore be interpreted by a clinician alongside imaging and other findings.

Short name

AFP

Frequently asked questions

Does a high AFP result mean I have liver cancer?
No. Elevated AFP is not specific to liver cancer and may also occur with other liver conditions. Additional tests are needed to determine the cause.
Is AFP used as a general liver cancer screening test?
AFP may support evaluation or monitoring in selected patients, but it is not generally used alone to screen people who have no symptoms or known risk factors.
Does a low or normal AFP result rule out liver cancer?
No. Some people with liver cancer can have AFP levels that are not elevated, so imaging and other clinical information remain important.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy