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Synonyms |
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AFP
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Clinical
Indications |
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AFP
tumour production mainly confined to 3 malignancies:
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) of testis,
ovary and other sites, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma
(in children, extremely rare in adults). In addition,
AFP may be occasionally elevated in patients with
various adenocarcinomas.
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Request
Form |
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Combined
Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black or Blue for GP's)
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Availability |
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On
request if specific criteria met or requested by
Consultant Gastroenterologist.
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Specific
Criteria |
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In
cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis to rule out
hepatocellular carcinoma. Known or clinically suspected
hepatocellular or testicular carcinoma. AFP should not
be used to screen for liver metastasis.
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Turnaround
Time |
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Same
day (Monday to Friday)
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Specimen |
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Serum
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Volume |
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1
ml
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Container |
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Yellow
top (SST) tube
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Lab.
Handling |
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Analysed
from primary tube.
(AFPT & send; NOAFP & save)
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Causes for
Rejection |
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Unlabelled
sample.
Not meeting specific criteria for analysis.
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Reference
Range |
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<
7.5 U/mL
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Half-life
in Serum |
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Approx.
5 days. Tumour
marker half-life calculator.
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Interpretation |
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AFP elevated in 70-90% of
patients with hepatocellular cancers with levels between
1,000 and 100,000, and 40-60% of
patients with germ cell tumours of the testis. Benign
conditions associated with elevated AFP include
hepatitis, cirrhosis, biliary tract obstruction,
alcoholic liver disease and ataxia telangiectasia.
Rate of change of AFP level is important, an increasing
rate suggests malignancy in the liver.
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