Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

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Alpha Foetoprotein

Alternate names:

AFP, alpha FP

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

AFP

Specimen types:

Serum

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Clinical notes must be completed

If pregnant female, please state pregancy in weeks

AFP is useful in monitoring some testicular germ cell tumours and primary hepatocelluar carcnioma. After treatment, eg. orchidectomy, levels fall with a half-life of approximately 45 days. Values > 500 ug/L are suggestive of malignancy

However 50% of all malignancies have values < 500 ug/L. AFP can also be raised in a variety of non-malignant liver disorders, where levels are usually < 100 ug/L.

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

5 hours

Reference Interval:

< 7 ug/L.