AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker used primarily to screen for liver cancer and monitor certain germ cell tumors of the ovaries and testicles.
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What this test measures
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced abundantly by the fetal liver and digestive system during normal development. After birth, AFP levels drop rapidly and remain very low throughout adult life. When AFP reappears at elevated levels in a non-pregnant adult, it can signal the presence of certain cancers, most notably hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer), non-seminomatous germ cell tumors of the testes, and some ovarian cancers.
However, AFP is not exclusively a cancer marker. Elevated levels can also occur in non-cancerous liver conditions including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute liver injury, as damaged or regenerating liver tissue can produce AFP. This dual nature means AFP is most effective when used alongside other diagnostic tools (imaging studies, biopsy, additional tumor markers) rather than as a standalone screening test. Healthcare providers use AFP to help investigate suspicious findings, monitor treatment response in patients with known AFP-producing tumors, and track for recurrence after surgery or therapy.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals with chronic liver disease, hepatitis B or C, or cirrhosis who may be at increased risk for developing liver cancer
- Those with a family history of liver cancer or known risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption or exposure to certain toxins
- Men who have discovered a testicular mass or have symptoms potentially related to testicular cancer
- Women with ovarian masses or symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer, particularly certain germ cell tumors
- Patients currently undergoing treatment for cancers known to produce AFP who need monitoring of treatment effectiveness
- Those who have completed treatment for AFP-producing cancers and require surveillance for potential recurrence
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. Patients can eat and drink normally before the test and do not need to adjust medications unless specifically instructed by their healthcare provider.
Sample Type
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.
Collection
The blood draw typically takes less than five minutes. Patients may experience a brief sting when the needle is inserted, and there may be slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site afterward.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the sample.
Understanding your results
AFP levels are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Healthy non-pregnant adults typically have very low AFP concentrations. Elevated levels may suggest the presence of an AFP-producing tumor but can also reflect non-cancerous liver disease, and normal levels do not entirely exclude cancer, as some tumors do not produce elevated AFP. The test cannot diagnose or rule out cancer on its own. Healthcare providers interpret AFP results alongside imaging studies, physical examination, biopsy findings, and other laboratory tests to make accurate diagnostic and monitoring decisions.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males | <8-15 ng/mL | AFP levels in men and non-pregnant women vary by age and race but typically range from 0 to 40 ng/mL. Most laboratories use <15 ng/mL as the upper limit of normal for men. |
| Adult Females (Non-pregnant) | <8-15 ng/mL | Similar to males, with normal levels typically under 15 ng/mL. Reference intervals were: AFP, 1.31, 7.89 ng/ml (males) and 1.01, 7.10 ng/ml (females) in some population studies. |
| Pregnant Women | 10-150 ng/mL (15-20 weeks) | Maternal AFP levels increase during pregnancy from about the 14th week of gestation until about 32 weeks. Between 15 and 20 weeks, AFP levels typically range between 10 and 150 ng/mL. |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
AFP levels below the reference range are generally considered normal and reassuring. Low or normal AFP levels suggest that AFP-producing cancers are less likely to be present. However, it's important to understand that normal AFP levels do not completely rule out cancer. And some people who do have liver, ovarian, or testicular cancer will have normal AFP levels. In fact, some HCCs are AFP-negative, implying that these tumours do not synthesise AFP, making them difficult to characterise and diagnose. This is why healthcare providers often use AFP in combination with other diagnostic tools such as imaging studies and additional tumor markers to provide a comprehensive assessment of cancer risk.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated AFP levels may suggest several conditions, though further testing is typically needed for definitive diagnosis. In nonpregnant adults, high blood levels (over 500 nanograms/milliliter [or ng/ml]) of AFP are seen in only a few situations, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), primary cancer of the liver; germ cell tumors (a type of cancer of the testes and ovaries, such as embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors). When you have liver disease already, an AFP of more than 200 ng/mL usually means you have liver cancer. Moderately elevated levels may also be associated with non-cancerous liver conditions such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver damage from other causes. Increased AFP level could also signify severity of hepatic destruction and subsequent regeneration and is commonly observed in patients with acute and chronic liver conditions and cirrhosis. The degree of elevation can help guide further evaluation, with very high levels (>500 ng/mL) being more concerning for malignancy than modest elevations.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your AFP test results are completely confidential and protected by strict privacy laws. Unlike routine medical care, these lab results are <u>not sent to your personal doctor</u> unless you specifically request it, and they are <u>not added to your medical records</u> automatically. Your test results will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB) forms, ensuring your privacy is maintained. The results are securely delivered directly to you through our patient portal, and you have complete control over who has access to this information. No doctor visit is required to order this test, giving you the freedom to monitor your health privately and take charge of your wellness journey. Your employer, insurance company, and other healthcare providers will not be notified of your testing unless you choose to share the results with them.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Includes liver function tests that help evaluate liver health alongside AFP for comprehensive liver assessment
View TestHepatitis Panel
Important for individuals with elevated AFP to determine if chronic viral hepatitis is contributing to the elevation
View TestCEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
Another tumor marker that can be used alongside AFP for broader cancer screening and monitoring
View TestLast reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 82105
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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