Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

When AFP Levels Change: What Your Body is Telling You

During pregnancy, AFP levels naturally rise as a baby's liver develops and produces this protein. Between 15 and 20 weeks, AFP levels typically range between 10 and 150 ng/mL, with maternal AFP levels increasing during pregnancy from about the 14th week of gestation until about 32 weeks. Abnormal levels during this period can indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or other developmental concerns that require further investigation.

In non-pregnant adults, AFP should remain at very low levels. These low levels of between 0 and 10 IU/mL are maintained throughout normal adult life. When AFP rises unexpectedly in adults, it often signals cellular changes in the liver, testicles, or ovaries that may indicate cancer development or liver disease.

When AFP Levels Change: What Your Body is Telling You

During pregnancy, AFP levels naturally rise as a baby's liver develops and produces this protein. Between 15 and 20 weeks, AFP levels typically range between 10 and 150 ng/mL, with maternal AFP levels increasing during pregnancy from about the 14th week of gestation until about 32 weeks. Abnormal levels during this period can indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or other developmental concerns that require further investigation.

In non-pregnant adults, AFP should remain at very low levels. These low levels of between 0 and 10 IU/mL are maintained throughout normal adult life. When AFP rises unexpectedly in adults, it often signals cellular changes in the liver, testicles, or ovaries that may indicate cancer development or liver disease.

When AFP Levels Change: What Your Body is Telling You

During pregnancy, AFP levels naturally rise as a baby's liver develops and produces this protein. Between 15 and 20 weeks, AFP levels typically range between 10 and 150 ng/mL, with maternal AFP levels increasing during pregnancy from about the 14th week of gestation until about 32 weeks. Abnormal levels during this period can indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or other developmental concerns that require further investigation.

In non-pregnant adults, AFP should remain at very low levels. These low levels of between 0 and 10 IU/mL are maintained throughout normal adult life. When AFP rises unexpectedly in adults, it often signals cellular changes in the liver, testicles, or ovaries that may indicate cancer development or liver disease.

When AFP Levels Change: What Your Body is Telling You

During pregnancy, AFP levels naturally rise as a baby's liver develops and produces this protein. Between 15 and 20 weeks, AFP levels typically range between 10 and 150 ng/mL, with maternal AFP levels increasing during pregnancy from about the 14th week of gestation until about 32 weeks. Abnormal levels during this period can indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or other developmental concerns that require further investigation.

In non-pregnant adults, AFP should remain at very low levels. These low levels of between 0 and 10 IU/mL are maintained throughout normal adult life. When AFP rises unexpectedly in adults, it often signals cellular changes in the liver, testicles, or ovaries that may indicate cancer development or liver disease.

Understanding AFP's Role in Health Screening

Alpha-fetoprotein tests are screening tools, not diagnostic ones, used to check AFP between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, where irregular AFP levels may point to the presence of a genetic disorder or neural tube defect in the foetus. This screening helps identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional testing or specialised monitoring without providing definitive diagnoses.

For cancer screening, AFP serves as a tumour marker that helps detect certain cancers in their early stages. Guidelines for the use of tumour markers suggest that AFP can be used for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of some tumours. AFP testing becomes useful for individuals with chronic liver conditions, where regular monitoring helps detect progression of liver disease severity.

Understanding AFP's Role in Health Screening

Alpha-fetoprotein tests are screening tools, not diagnostic ones, used to check AFP between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, where irregular AFP levels may point to the presence of a genetic disorder or neural tube defect in the foetus. This screening helps identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional testing or specialised monitoring without providing definitive diagnoses.

For cancer screening, AFP serves as a tumour marker that helps detect certain cancers in their early stages. Guidelines for the use of tumour markers suggest that AFP can be used for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of some tumours. AFP testing becomes useful for individuals with chronic liver conditions, where regular monitoring helps detect progression of liver disease severity.

Understanding AFP's Role in Health Screening

Alpha-fetoprotein tests are screening tools, not diagnostic ones, used to check AFP between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, where irregular AFP levels may point to the presence of a genetic disorder or neural tube defect in the foetus. This screening helps identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional testing or specialised monitoring without providing definitive diagnoses.

For cancer screening, AFP serves as a tumour marker that helps detect certain cancers in their early stages. Guidelines for the use of tumour markers suggest that AFP can be used for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of some tumours. AFP testing becomes useful for individuals with chronic liver conditions, where regular monitoring helps detect progression of liver disease severity.

Understanding AFP's Role in Health Screening

Alpha-fetoprotein tests are screening tools, not diagnostic ones, used to check AFP between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, where irregular AFP levels may point to the presence of a genetic disorder or neural tube defect in the foetus. This screening helps identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional testing or specialised monitoring without providing definitive diagnoses.

For cancer screening, AFP serves as a tumour marker that helps detect certain cancers in their early stages. Guidelines for the use of tumour markers suggest that AFP can be used for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of some tumours. AFP testing becomes useful for individuals with chronic liver conditions, where regular monitoring helps detect progression of liver disease severity.

When AFP Testing Becomes Important

AFP testing becomes crucial during pregnancy screening programmes, typically offered between 15-20 weeks of gestation as part of comprehensive antenatal care. This screening helps identify pregnancies requiring additional monitoring or intervention, enabling healthcare providers to prepare appropriate support and treatment plans.

For adults, AFP testing becomes important when liver disease is present, particularly for individuals with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other chronic liver conditions where cancer risk is elevated. AFP monitoring can enable early detection of disease progression.

Men with risk factors for testicular cancer, may benefit from AFP testing alongside physical examinations. Similarly, women with ovarian cancer risk factors might undergo AFP testing as part of comprehensive testing plans. Healthcare providers also use AFP testing to monitor treatment response in diagnosed cancers, where declining levels typically indicate successful treatment whilst rising levels may suggest treatment resistance or disease progression.

When AFP Testing Becomes Important

AFP testing becomes crucial during pregnancy screening programmes, typically offered between 15-20 weeks of gestation as part of comprehensive antenatal care. This screening helps identify pregnancies requiring additional monitoring or intervention, enabling healthcare providers to prepare appropriate support and treatment plans.

For adults, AFP testing becomes important when liver disease is present, particularly for individuals with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other chronic liver conditions where cancer risk is elevated. AFP monitoring can enable early detection of disease progression.

Men with risk factors for testicular cancer, may benefit from AFP testing alongside physical examinations. Similarly, women with ovarian cancer risk factors might undergo AFP testing as part of comprehensive testing plans. Healthcare providers also use AFP testing to monitor treatment response in diagnosed cancers, where declining levels typically indicate successful treatment whilst rising levels may suggest treatment resistance or disease progression.

When AFP Testing Becomes Important

AFP testing becomes crucial during pregnancy screening programmes, typically offered between 15-20 weeks of gestation as part of comprehensive antenatal care. This screening helps identify pregnancies requiring additional monitoring or intervention, enabling healthcare providers to prepare appropriate support and treatment plans.

For adults, AFP testing becomes important when liver disease is present, particularly for individuals with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other chronic liver conditions where cancer risk is elevated. AFP monitoring can enable early detection of disease progression.

Men with risk factors for testicular cancer, may benefit from AFP testing alongside physical examinations. Similarly, women with ovarian cancer risk factors might undergo AFP testing as part of comprehensive testing plans. Healthcare providers also use AFP testing to monitor treatment response in diagnosed cancers, where declining levels typically indicate successful treatment whilst rising levels may suggest treatment resistance or disease progression.

When AFP Testing Becomes Important

AFP testing becomes crucial during pregnancy screening programmes, typically offered between 15-20 weeks of gestation as part of comprehensive antenatal care. This screening helps identify pregnancies requiring additional monitoring or intervention, enabling healthcare providers to prepare appropriate support and treatment plans.

For adults, AFP testing becomes important when liver disease is present, particularly for individuals with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other chronic liver conditions where cancer risk is elevated. AFP monitoring can enable early detection of disease progression.

Men with risk factors for testicular cancer, may benefit from AFP testing alongside physical examinations. Similarly, women with ovarian cancer risk factors might undergo AFP testing as part of comprehensive testing plans. Healthcare providers also use AFP testing to monitor treatment response in diagnosed cancers, where declining levels typically indicate successful treatment whilst rising levels may suggest treatment resistance or disease progression.

Get started

Understanding Your Results

Reference Ranges

Normal levels (in general): 0-10 ng/mL
Pregnancy (15-20 weeks): 10-150 ng/mL

Elevated AFP during pregnancy may indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies, but requires additional testing for confirmation. Low levels during pregnancy might suggest chromosomal conditions but can also occur in normal pregnancies.

In adults, significantly elevated AFP levels often require urgent evaluation for certain cancers. In general, a sustained rise in AFP is suggestive of cancers, whilst stable or decreasing results make it less likely. Moderately elevated levels may indicate benign liver disease, but still require monitoring and investigation.

Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other test results alongside AFP levels to determine appropriate next steps, which may include imaging studies, additional blood tests, or specialist referrals.

Understanding Your Results

Reference Ranges

Normal levels (in general): 0-10 ng/mL
Pregnancy (15-20 weeks): 10-150 ng/mL

Elevated AFP during pregnancy may indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies, but requires additional testing for confirmation. Low levels during pregnancy might suggest chromosomal conditions but can also occur in normal pregnancies.

In adults, significantly elevated AFP levels often require urgent evaluation for certain cancers. In general, a sustained rise in AFP is suggestive of cancers, whilst stable or decreasing results make it less likely. Moderately elevated levels may indicate benign liver disease, but still require monitoring and investigation.

Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other test results alongside AFP levels to determine appropriate next steps, which may include imaging studies, additional blood tests, or specialist referrals.

Understanding Your Results

Reference Ranges

Normal levels (in general): 0-10 ng/mL
Pregnancy (15-20 weeks): 10-150 ng/mL

Elevated AFP during pregnancy may indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies, but requires additional testing for confirmation. Low levels during pregnancy might suggest chromosomal conditions but can also occur in normal pregnancies.

In adults, significantly elevated AFP levels often require urgent evaluation for certain cancers. In general, a sustained rise in AFP is suggestive of cancers, whilst stable or decreasing results make it less likely. Moderately elevated levels may indicate benign liver disease, but still require monitoring and investigation.

Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other test results alongside AFP levels to determine appropriate next steps, which may include imaging studies, additional blood tests, or specialist referrals.

Understanding Your Results

Reference Ranges

Normal levels (in general): 0-10 ng/mL
Pregnancy (15-20 weeks): 10-150 ng/mL

Elevated AFP during pregnancy may indicate neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or multiple pregnancies, but requires additional testing for confirmation. Low levels during pregnancy might suggest chromosomal conditions but can also occur in normal pregnancies.

In adults, significantly elevated AFP levels often require urgent evaluation for certain cancers. In general, a sustained rise in AFP is suggestive of cancers, whilst stable or decreasing results make it less likely. Moderately elevated levels may indicate benign liver disease, but still require monitoring and investigation.

Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other test results alongside AFP levels to determine appropriate next steps, which may include imaging studies, additional blood tests, or specialist referrals.

The Takeaway

AFP levels provide valuable insights into both foetal development and adult health, serving as an essential screening tool for pregnancy monitoring and cancer detection. During pregnancy, AFP testing helps identify potential developmental concerns early.. In adults, AFP elevation can provide the first indication of serious conditions like liver cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Understanding your AFP results helps you work effectively with your healthcare team to ensure appropriate monitoring and timely intervention. Whether used for pregnancy screening or cancer detection, AFP testing represents an important preventive health measure that can significantly impact long-term health.

The Takeaway

AFP levels provide valuable insights into both foetal development and adult health, serving as an essential screening tool for pregnancy monitoring and cancer detection. During pregnancy, AFP testing helps identify potential developmental concerns early.. In adults, AFP elevation can provide the first indication of serious conditions like liver cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Understanding your AFP results helps you work effectively with your healthcare team to ensure appropriate monitoring and timely intervention. Whether used for pregnancy screening or cancer detection, AFP testing represents an important preventive health measure that can significantly impact long-term health.

The Takeaway

AFP levels provide valuable insights into both foetal development and adult health, serving as an essential screening tool for pregnancy monitoring and cancer detection. During pregnancy, AFP testing helps identify potential developmental concerns early.. In adults, AFP elevation can provide the first indication of serious conditions like liver cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Understanding your AFP results helps you work effectively with your healthcare team to ensure appropriate monitoring and timely intervention. Whether used for pregnancy screening or cancer detection, AFP testing represents an important preventive health measure that can significantly impact long-term health.

The Takeaway

AFP levels provide valuable insights into both foetal development and adult health, serving as an essential screening tool for pregnancy monitoring and cancer detection. During pregnancy, AFP testing helps identify potential developmental concerns early.. In adults, AFP elevation can provide the first indication of serious conditions like liver cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Understanding your AFP results helps you work effectively with your healthcare team to ensure appropriate monitoring and timely intervention. Whether used for pregnancy screening or cancer detection, AFP testing represents an important preventive health measure that can significantly impact long-term health.

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies. NICE Clinical Guideline CG62.
NHS England. (2023). Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: minimum standards. NHS England Clinical Guidance.
British Society of Gastroenterology. (2022). Guidelines for the management of liver tumours. BSG Practice Standards.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2021). Screening for Down's syndrome: UK NSC recommendation. RCOG Clinical Guidelines.

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies. NICE Clinical Guideline CG62.
NHS England. (2023). Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: minimum standards. NHS England Clinical Guidance.
British Society of Gastroenterology. (2022). Guidelines for the management of liver tumours. BSG Practice Standards.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2021). Screening for Down's syndrome: UK NSC recommendation. RCOG Clinical Guidelines.

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies. NICE Clinical Guideline CG62.
NHS England. (2023). Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: minimum standards. NHS England Clinical Guidance.
British Society of Gastroenterology. (2022). Guidelines for the management of liver tumours. BSG Practice Standards.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2021). Screening for Down's syndrome: UK NSC recommendation. RCOG Clinical Guidelines.

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2021). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies. NICE Clinical Guideline CG62.
NHS England. (2023). Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: minimum standards. NHS England Clinical Guidance.
British Society of Gastroenterology. (2022). Guidelines for the management of liver tumours. BSG Practice Standards.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2021). Screening for Down's syndrome: UK NSC recommendation. RCOG Clinical Guidelines.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)