Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac in early fetal life and by a variety of tumours. AFP is used as a cancer tumour marker of the testicles, ovaries and liver. AFP above the reference range has also been found in serum of patients with benign liver disease (eg, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis) and gastrointestinal tract tumours.

AFP is elevated during pregnancy and is used as part of the quad screen to evaluate whether your pregnancy has an increased chance of being affected with certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome. The alpha-fetoprotein part of the test can help evaluate the chance for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele.