AFP test

AFP

The alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) is primarily performed to detect foetal malformations and hepatocellular carcinoma.

AFP marker

AFP is a foetal protein that is produced by the foetus, namely via the gallbladder, liver and gastrointestinal tract. Its concentration increases in some cancers and during pregnancy. The presence of AFP may indicate liver cancer, testicular cancer, or cirrhosis of the liver, but it is especially performed to detect malformations in a developing foetus.

The AFP test is performed:

• in pregnant women to detect malformations in the developing foetus (especially of the nervous system, e.g. neural tube defects),
• to detect and monitor cancer (including liver, testicular, ovarian, kidney, lung, stomach and lymphoma cancer).

The AFP test should be performed during pregnancy

AFP concentration may be increased in life-threatening situations for the child or in a missed abortion, while a decrease in its concentration may indicate Down's syndrome - AFP testing is an important screening test that excludes certain developmental disorders or indicates the need for in-depth diagnostics.

It is usually performed between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy, but can also be carried out between 15 and 20 weeks. AFP levels peak between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy, and gradually decline from weeks 14 to 32.

The AFP test is also performed in patients with liver cancer or other tumours metastasized to the liver. The concentration of AFP is increased during the tumour growth stage, but it decreases with effective treatment, and therefore can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Abnormal AFP concentration may also be caused by a non-neoplastic disease, e.g. of the liver or kidney.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing is a medical device. For your safety, use it according to the instructions or label. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

Increased AFP

A high level of AFP concentration may indicate the presence of a growing tumour or the appearance of metastases in the case of:

• liver cancer,
• ovarian and testicular cancers,
• lung cancer,
• pancreatic cancer,
• stomach cancer,

It can also be evidence of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis.

In the case of pregnant women, an increased concentration of AFP may indicate the presence of malformations of the developing foetus, a life-threatening condition of the child or Down's syndrome. Sometimes it means multiple pregnancies.

AFP Preparation and test

The alpha-fetoprotein test requires a blood sample taken from the patient.

• The test consists of collecting blood into an EDTA tube in accordance with blood drawing procedures, disinfecting the skin, applying a tourniquet, and putting pressure on the site after the procedure, which lasts a few minutes.
• The blood drawing procedure takes several seconds.
• If the patient does not follow pre-test instructions, results may not be valid
• The test should be performed in the morning.

Required preparation for the AFP test

The day before the test:

• Avoid eating heavy, fatty meals and drinking alcohol up to 24 hours before the test.
• Refrain from drinking coffee and tea at least 12 hours before the test..

On the day of the test:

• The test should be done on an empty stomach - refrain from eating for about 8-12 hours prior to the test.
• You may drink a small amount of water in the morning.
• If possible, blood should be drawn before taking the morning dose of medications, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• The test should be performed in the morning
• Before the test, the patient should rest for about 10 - 15 minutes (sitting position).
• Exercise, including moderate physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs, may change the results of the lab test.

AFP results

• Results are available within 3 business days.
• You may collect your results at the reception desk of a chosen Centre.
• You may access your results via Medicover Online (you must first collect the password to access your results at the Medicover Centre reception desk).