Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP, a-Fetoprotein)

Men, nonpregnant females:<16 ng/mL; SI units: <16 mL

pregnant females at 15-18 weeks' gestation: 10-150 ng/mL; SI units: 10-150 mL

Marble or gold-top tube.

• AFP is a molecule produced by the developing embryo and fetus.
• In men and nonpregnant females, AFP is used as a tumor marker to aid in diagnosis of AFP-producing cancers: hepatocellular carcinoma, testicular tumor, ovarian cancer. May be elevated in alcoholic cirrhosis.

NI Used most commonly during pregnancy to detect fetal neural tube defect, fetal distress, and/or fetal death.