Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AFP Test, Total AFP Test, Alpha-Fetoprotein-L3 Per cent Test, AFP tumour marker Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; commonly ordered for pregnant women (15 to 20 weeks), adults with liver disease risk factors, and patients monitored for certain cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹800 |
What is an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test?
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum test is a blood test that measures the level of AFP, a protein produced mainly by the foetal liver during development. In healthy adults and non-pregnant individuals, AFP levels are very low. The test is ordered to help assess liver health, screen for certain cancers, and monitor foetal wellbeing during pregnancy. It is also referred to as the AFP Tumour Marker test or Total AFP test.
What Does an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test Measure?
The test measures AFP, a glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) found in the blood. Understanding what AFP levels signify helps doctors piece together a clearer picture of a patient's health. The table below summarises the key aspects of what the test evaluates.
| Component | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| AFP level in non-pregnant adults | Baseline protein level; low in healthy adults |
| AFP level in pregnant women | Screens for foetal neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities |
| AFP as a tumour marker | Raised levels may point to liver cancer or germ cell tumours |
| AFP in liver disease monitoring | Tracks disease progression or treatment response over time |
Why is an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test Done?
Doctors order the AFP test for several clinical reasons, from routine prenatal screening to cancer monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you present with any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Persistent fatigue
- Nausea without a clear cause
- A palpable lump or mass in the abdomen
- Swelling or discomfort in the testicular region
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The AFP serum test can help identify or support the diagnosis of several conditions, including:
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and childhood liver cancer (hepatoblastoma)
- Nonseminomatous germ cell tumours of the testes or ovaries
- Benign liver conditions, such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Gastrointestinal tract tumours
- Neural tube defects in the foetus (such as spina bifida or anencephaly)
- Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy
- Ataxia telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test During Pregnancy
The AFP test is a routine part of prenatal screening, typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is often included in a multiple-marker or triple-screen panel. Abnormally high maternal AFP levels may indicate neural tube defects such as spina bifida, while lower-than-expected levels may suggest a risk of Down syndrome.
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, liver cirrhosis, or a history of liver cancer, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is used as a surveillance tool. International guidelines recommend AFP testing alongside liver ultrasound every six months for those at moderate to high risk. The test is also repeated regularly during and after cancer treatment to track how well treatment is working and to detect any recurrence early.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The AFP test procedure is simple and requires minimal preparation.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the test. Follow your doctor's specific instructions if any additional tests have been ordered alongside this one, as those may have different requirements.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing well ensures a smooth experience. Keep the following in mind before you attend:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, as AFP levels rise naturally during pregnancy, and this affects the interpretation of the result
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with easy access to the upper arm
- Drink adequate water beforehand to make the blood draw easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the AFP test procedure:
- Your identity will be confirmed, and the procedure will be briefly explained to you.
- You are seated comfortably with your upper arm exposed.
- A tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to make the vein more visible, and the skin is cleaned with an alcohol swab.
- A small blood sample of around 3 ml is drawn from a vein using a sterile needle.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or small bandage is placed over the puncture site.
- The blood sample is stored in a yellow-top SST gel tube, kept refrigerated, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence your AFP test results. These include:
- Being pregnant (naturally raises AFP levels)
- Multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets
- Recent procedures involving radioactive tracers used in imaging
- Certain medications and herbal supplements
- Existing chronic liver conditions, such as active hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Gestational diabetes or cigarette smoking (in pregnancy screening)
Understanding Your Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider your full medical history alongside the numbers. The table below provides general reference ranges.
| Group | Normal AFP Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Non-pregnant adults | Less than 10 (typically 0 to 8) | ng/mL |
| Pregnant women (15 to 20 weeks) | 10 to 150 (varies by week of gestation) | ng/mL |
| Newborns | Greater than 100,000 (falls rapidly in the first year) | ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
AFP levels can vary considerably depending on your circumstances, which affects how results are interpreted.
- During pregnancy, maternal AFP rises from around the 14th week of gestation, peaking near 32 weeks. This is normal; the concern arises when levels are significantly above or below the expected range for that gestational week.
- In adults with chronic liver disease, mild to moderate AFP elevations (typically below 500 ng/mL) can occur without cancer being present.
- Levels above 200 ng/mL in a person with liver cirrhosis are more strongly associated with liver cancer and need further investigation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While AFP is not directly controlled through lifestyle alone, the following general habits support liver health and may reduce risk factors:
- Limit alcohol intake and avoid substances known to harm the liver
- If you have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, follow your doctor's recommended screening schedule
- Ensure adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy, as this supports healthy foetal neural development
Lupin Diagnostics Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The AFP test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹800, with home collection available across cities. A certified phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample, which is then processed in an NABL-accredited laboratory.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 800 |
| CHENNAI | 800 |
| HYDERABAD | 800 |
| KOLKATA | 800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 800 |
| PUNE | 800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your AFP test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 1 day.
Home Collection
AFP test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum test measures AFP levels in the blood to help diagnose liver cancer and certain germ cell tumours of the testes or ovaries. In pregnant women, it is used to screen for neural tube defects and foetal chromosomal conditions. Doctors also use it to monitor how well cancer treatment is working.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before your AFP test. However, do inform the collection staff about any medications or supplements you are taking, as these may affect your results.
The test is typically done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, often as part of a routine prenatal panel. Your doctor will advise when and how often it should be done based on your specific situation.
Yes. Raised AFP levels can occur in conditions such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or after liver surgery, without cancer being the cause. Pregnancy also naturally increases AFP. A raised result alone is not a diagnosis; your doctor will consider it alongside other tests and your clinical history.
For patients at moderate to high risk, such as those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C, guidelines recommend AFP testing along with a liver ultrasound every six months. Your doctor will advise a schedule suited to your condition.
In adults with liver cirrhosis, AFP levels above 200 ng/mL are strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Levels above 500 ng/mL generally warrant further investigation. However, only a doctor can interpret what the result means for you specifically.
No. The AFP test is a supporting tool and cannot confirm cancer on its own. It is most useful when combined with imaging tests, clinical examination, and other diagnostic investigations. Your doctor will use all available information together before drawing any conclusions.
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
