A tumor marker associated with liver and germ-cell cancers.
Alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, is a protein produced mainly by the liver and the yolk sac before birth. In adults, only small amounts remain in the blood.
As a tumor marker, AFP is measured to help follow certain liver and germ cell conditions. It also has a separate role in pregnancy screening, which is reported differently.
As a tumor marker, AFP is used mainly to monitor people with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or certain testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors, alongside imaging and other tests. It is not a general cancer screen for healthy adults.
A mildly raised AFP is often benign and can come from liver inflammation such as hepatitis, or from pregnancy. A high or rising level needs a doctor to interpret it in context.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Ranges are guidance only. AFP is an upper-cutoff marker outside pregnancy.
| Group | Common upper guide (SI) |
|---|---|
| Non-pregnant adults | up to about 7 to 10 µg/L (kU/L) |
The upper limit rises a little with age. Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL).
Pregnancy raises AFP, so the result is interpreted differently then. Liver inflammation such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can also raise it. Results from different assays are not interchangeable, so follow trends on the same method.
Often read alongside liver function tests and, in the right setting, beta-hCG for germ cell conditions.
One annual membership, 100+ biomarkers, every result explained in plain language with a personalized action plan and concierge guidance.
