AFP Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Need and Benefits
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Ashok Rattan
Written By Kirti Saxena
on Mar 21, 2025
Last Edit Made By Kirti Saxena
on Mar 21, 2025

The AFP test, or Alpha-fetoprotein test, is a blood test used to assess both prenatal care and tumor detection. The test measures the alpha-protein levels in the blood. It is a protein produced by the liver of a developing fetus or by certain cells in adults. The AFP test helps to identify neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. It is important in assessing fetal health and detecting certain cancers or liver diseases. The AFP test is recommended between 14-22 weeks of gestation as part of a quad screen or maternal serum screening. The doctor may recommend the AFP test as a part of routine prenatal screening and to monitor the cancer risk. The AFP test provides vital information about the fetus's health that may improve pregnancy results and enhance cancer management.
This article will cover the AFP test, including its purpose, normal ranges, test results interpretation, how to prepare, use, and more.
Other names of AFP Test- AFP Maternal; Maternal Serum AFP; msAFP screen
What is AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)?
The fetal liver produces alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) during pregnancy. It is present in both fetal blood and the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. The test helps to check the AFP level in expectant mothers to determine if their baby has any problems within their neural tube that will become the brain and spinal cord.
- Prenatal Care: The test is part of maternal serum screening, which helps evaluate the risk of congenital disabilities and other genetic conditions in a fetus.
- In adults: AFP is found in very low levels, but elevated amounts may indicate certain liver diseases, including hepatitis or cirrhosis.
What is the AFP tumor marker test?
Generally, the AFP test is recommended for pregnant women. But in some cases, the doctors may recommend the AFP tumor marker test when you are nonpregnant. The test is recommended for the different purposes in adults-
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
- Liver cancer
- Ovarian or testicular cancer
- Toxic hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis
Healthcare providers also use tests to plan cancer treatments. For instance, if you have high AFP levels and liver cancer, your doctor may recommend cancer treatment targeting cancer cells with specific drugs (targeted therapy).
What does the AFP test check for?
The test may detect:
- Genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.
- Incorrect due dates.
- Multiples, such as twins or triplets.
- Neural tube defects, like spina bifida or anencephaly.
Why Do I Need an AFP Test?
You might need an AFP test for various reasons, including:
- Prenatal Screening—If you are pregnant, your doctor may order an AFP test as part of maternal serum screening (quad screen) to detect potential neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) or chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome). The AFP test is a routine test done between the 14th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Using the test results, the doctor may determine the chances of genetic congenital disabilities in the baby. The test is important for women who are over the age of 35, those with a history of congenital disabilities, or those who have diabetes.
- Cancer Detection—If you are at risk for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), ovarian cancer, biliary tract, or testicular cancer, an AFP test can help in early detection and monitoring. The test monitors how effectively cancer treatment works and whether the tumor grows or decreases. Based on AFP test results, your doctor may adjust your treatment plans.
- Liver Disease Diagnosis – If you have cirrhosis or hepatitis, an AFP test may help diagnose liver conditions. These liver conditions are non-cancerous but can increase the risk of people developing liver cancer later.
Why is the AFP Test Important?
An AFP test provides crucial insights into both fetal health and cancer risk. Its importance includes:
- Early Detection of Birth Defects: Higher or lower AFP levels in pregnancy may indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal disorders, or multiple pregnancies.
- Cancer Monitoring: Helps diagnose liver, ovarian, and testicular cancers and monitor treatment response.
- Liver Disease Screening: Patients with liver diseases can benefit from periodic AFP tests to detect malignancies early.
Use of AFP Test
The AFP test is used for different purposes-
- Prenatal screening: The AFP blood test detects fetal abnormalities such as neural tube defects or Down syndrome. This information helps doctors plan further diagnostic tests.
- Cancer Detection & Monitoring: This test is used to diagnose and evaluate the treatment progress of liver, ovarian, and testicular cancers.
- Liver Disease Evaluation: The test helps to monitor cirrhosis and hepatitis patients for potential malignancies.
When is the AFP test done during pregnancy?
The AFP test is done between the 14th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy, but the timing is more accurate during the 16th to 18th week. High AFP levels indicate the fetus has neural tube defects, including spina bifida, or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. However, high AFP levels could also be due to multiple pregnancies.
All pregnant women should take the AFP test, but the test is mandatory for-.
- Women who have a family history of congenital disabilities
- Women who are 35 years or older
- Women who take harmful medications or drugs during pregnancy
- Women who have diabetes
How is the AFP Test Performed?
The AFP test is a simple blood test that requires no special preparation. Pregnant women should inform their doctor about their gestational age and other relevant details. People taking cancer screening should provide their doctor with a history of liver conditions and previous cancer treatment details.
Here is the procedure for the test-
- A healthcare professional will draw the blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small syringe or needle.
- After sample collection, the collected blood sample is stored in a test tube or vial.
- You might feel little pain or discomfort, but it will get normal over time. The test process will take only 5 minutes.
- The sample is sent to a lab for analysis and reports.
- Results are available within 24 hours.
Interpreting AFP Test Results
The AFP test results will tell you important information about whether your baby is at risk of certain congenital disabilities or genetic disorders. The test can't diagnose any conditions but can indicate the risk of conditions.
For Pregnant Women-
- Normal AFP results—Normal AFP results mean your baby is safe and at no risk of problems.
- Abnormal AFP results- This indicates that your baby might be at risk of some problems, including-
Lower AFP results- This indicates that your baby is at high risk of genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Edwards Syndrome.
High AFP result- This indicates that your baby is at high risk of neural tube defects, such as
- Spina bifida- A condition in which the baby’s spine bone doesn't close around part of the spinal cord. This often causes damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
- Anencephaly- A condition in which the baby’s brain and skull brain don’t develop fully. Almost all babies with these conditions die shortly after birth.
- A defect in the abdomen (belly) or esophagus.
For Non-Pregnant Adults:
- High AFP Levels- This could signal liver cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, or liver disease.
- Moderate AFP Levels- This could be seen in cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
If you have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, you are at high risk of developing liver cancer. High AFP levels and sudden increases could be a sign of liver cancer. Some doctors recommend the AFP tumor market test with another test to detect liver cancer.
Abnormal AFP results don't always mean that your baby has a high risk of serious problems. High or low AFP levels might be due to
- Inaccurate gestational age—AFP levels increase and decrease during pregnancy, meaning they would differ at different times of pregnancy. The AFP blood level may seem abnormal if your due date is wrong.
- Multiple pregnancies can indicate high AFP levels; as each baby produces AFP, the AFP levels are higher.
Therefore, it is important to consult your reports with your doctor, as both high and low levels could indicate different conditions.
Abnormal AFP levels do not always indicate a serious health issue. However, your doctor may recommend additional screenings, like ultrasound, amniocentesis, or genetic screening, to confirm the condition and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Normal Range for AFP Levels
AFP levels vary depending on age, pregnancy status, and existing medical conditions. Here's the normal range of AFP levels:
Group | Normal AFP Level (ng/mL) |
Non-Pregnant Adults | Less than 10ng |
Pregnant Women (14-22 weeks) | 10 ng- 150ng |
Newborns | Higher than adults |
Higher or lower levels need further evaluation and testing to find the cause.
Factors That Can Affect AFP Levels
Some factors can influence AFP levels, including:
- Pregnancy-related factors (e.g., incorrect gestational age or multiple pregnancies)
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Liver conditions (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Certain medications
- Genetic variations
The Final Words
The AFP blood test is done between 14 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Irregular AFP levels indicate the risk of genetic disorders or neural tube defects in the fetus. If your doctor has recommended the AFP test, you can choose Redcliffe Labs. The professionals here provide the best diagnostic services at affordable prices and ensure they provide 100% correct reports with on-time reports.
In addition, when you get your AFP test reports, always seek expert advice for accurate diagnosis and further testing. Understanding the AFP test's purpose, preparation, and result interpretation allows people to make better decisions about their health.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the AFP test?
The AFP blood test measures alpha-fetoprotein levels to screen for congenital disabilities during pregnancy. The test helps to diagnose or monitor liver cancer and other health conditions in non-pregnant adults.
2. Can AFP levels be low in pregnancy?
Yes, a low AFP level in pregnancy indicates the risk of certain conditions such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.
3. What does a high AFP level mean in pregnancy?
The high AFP level in the pregnancy indicates the risk of neural tube defects (like spina bifida), other fetal abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies.
4. Do I need to fast before the AFP test?
No, you don't need to fast before the AFP test. You can eat and drink anything you wish.
5. Is an AFP test painful?
No, it's a simple blood test with minimal pain or discomfort.
6. Does a high AFP level confirm cancer?
No, high AFP alone does not confirm cancer. It only indicates cancer risk. The doctor may recommend additional imaging and biopsy tests to confirm the test.
7. When is the AFP test performed during pregnancy?
The AFP test is done between weeks 14-22 of pregnancy.
8. What should I do if my AFP test result is abnormal?
If your AFP test results are abnormal, the first step is to discuss them with your doctor. They will evaluate your medical history and other factors and recommend additional tests based on that.