. AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) is a protein that is primarily produced by the liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract of the fetus. In adults, it is mainly secreted by the liver.
. In adults, while AFP is not a standalone screening test for liver cancer, it can aid in identifying individuals at high risk (e.g., those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis), when used alongside other tests and imaging e.g., ultrasound or CT scans. It can also be elevated in germ cell tumors (e.g., testicular or ovarian cancer), and liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
. In cancers, this tumor marker is used as an aid in monitoring the recurrence/progression and assessing the response to therapy.
. During pregnancy, it is normally elevated, but abnormally low levels, often in combination with other tests, can identify a high risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities e.g., Down Syndrome, and abnormally high levels may indicate fetal abnormalities, such as neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) or abdominal wall defects.
Note: AFP can vary from different manufacturers due to differences in assay methods and reagent specificity. Results obtained from different manufacturers cannot be used interchangeably.