Types

• AFP is produced by the foetus primarily in the cells of the yolk sac , GI tract and liver. AFP appears as a major serum protein in the foetus but its concentration decreases rapidly towards birth .The reappearance of elevated AFP in adult serum has been observed not only during pregnancy but also in conjunction with several benign and malig...

Description

Men :

• 0.5 - 5.5 IU/ml

Female :

• 0.5 -5.5 IU/ml

Pregnancy week----Range

• 14^{th Week-----}12.5 - 41.6
• 15^{th Week-----}16.6 – 45.8
• 16^{th Week-----}23.3 – 54.1
• 17^{th Week-----}25.0 – 66.6
• 18^{th Week-----}25.8 – 66.6
• 19^{th Week-----}29.1 – 83.3
• 20^{th Week-----}37.5 – 166.6
• 21^{st Week}----41.6 – 125.0

When to get Tested

• Used generally in combination with ßHCG and UE3 as triple marker test for evaluation of foetal well being and detection of genetic foetal defects early in pregnancy
• When there is suspicion of Hepatic, Testicular, Ovarian Cancer

Elevated Level

• Cancer in Testes, Ovaries , Biliary Tract , Stomach , Pancreas
• Cirrhosis of liver
• Liver Cancer
• Malignant Teratoma
• Recovery from Hepatitis
• Ataxia Telangiectasia
• Hereditary Tyrosinemia

Increasd levels during Pregnancy Indicates :

• Foetal defects
• Spina Bifida
• Anencephaly
• Omphalocele
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Duodenal Atresia
• Turners Syndrome
• Intra Uterine Death

Decreased Level

• Normal Persons after first few weeks of life
• Various types of cirrhosis and hepatitis in adults
• Seminoma of Testis
• Choriocarcinoma , Adenocarcinoma and dermoid cyst of ovary.
• Foetal Down syndrome