AFP Tumor Marker Test: Price, Purpose, Results & Range [2024]
Serum AFP or Alpha-fetoprotein test is a blood test used to measure alpha-fetoprotein in the blood. Serum AFP is used as a tumor marker for mainly liver cancer and germ cell tumors of testicles and ovaries. The AFP test price usually ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1200 and in-home sample collection is also available.
Tumor markers are substances that are found to be elevated in blood in certain kinds of cancers.
What is alpha-fetoprotein?
Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein made in the liver and yolk sack of a growing baby. AFP levels are usually high when a baby is born but eventually fall by the age of 1. In healthy adults, the AFP levels are very low. The AFP test done in pregnancy is different from the AFP tumor marker test.
AFP Test details in brief
| Also known as | Total AFP, alpha-fetoprotein-L3 Percent, Serum AFP test |
| Purpose | For the diagnosis of liver cancer and cancers of ovaries and testicles |
| Preparation | No special preparation is needed. No fasting required |
| Cost | Rs 500- Rs 1200 |
| Reporting time | <24 hours |
AFP Test Price
AFP Test Price usually ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1200. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Moreover, Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centers
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centers.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 800 |
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 800 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 600 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 990 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 1100 |
Cost in different cities
The AFP test cost depends on and varies from one city to another. Moreover, a Diagnostic chain can have different prices in different cities.
The table below lists the city-wise prices. You can click on the link to get the list of diagnostic centers, their prices, and discount.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 420 to Rs 1000 |
| Mumbai | Rs 540 to Rs 850 |
| Bangalore | Rs 540 to Rs 1200 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 540 to Rs 960 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 480 to Rs 850 |
| Chennai | Rs 540 to Rs 800 |
| Kolkata | Rs 750 to Rs 800 |
What is the purpose of the AFP Test?
An Alpha-fetoprotein or AFP test may be used for
- Diagnosis of liver cancer
- Diagnosis of cancer in the ovaries or testicles
- Monitoring the treatment progress. AFP levels often increase if cancer spreads and decrease if the cancer treatment works.
- Checking for cancer recurrence
- Monitoring the help of patients with cirrhosis (scarring or Fibrosis of the liver) hepatitis (liver inflammation)
AFP Test may also be ordered as part of the triple or quadruple tests (maternal screening tests) in pregnant ladies to check for genetic disorders in unborn babies. It is different from the AFP Tumor Marker Test.
AFP Test Preparation
Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results like antihypertensives (drugs used for high BP). DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
AFP Test Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- The site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- A blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
AFP Test Results and Interpretation
Normal Levels
The normal range of Alpha-fetoprotein is less than 10 nanograms per milliliter in adult males and non-pregnant females.
| Parameter | Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) | <10 | ng/mL |
Abnormal Levels
Alpha-fetoprotein levels should not be used as a sole indicator but in conjunction with the findings from clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures.
Lower Values
There is no lower limit for AFP levels in non-pregnant females and males.
Higher Values
Increased levels of AFP in males or non-pregnant females may be found in
- Germ cell (Non-Seminomatous) tumors (Germ cells are the cells that create reproductive cells called gametes having half the number of chromosomes- male sperm & female ova or egg)
- Cancer of the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Teratocarcinoma or cancer of the testis
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- Gastrointestinal tract or digestive tract cancers with or without liver metastasis (spread)
- Benign (non-cancerous) hepatic (liver-related) conditions like Acute Viral Hepatitis, Chronic active hepatitis, and Cirrhosis
- Ataxia telangiectasia ( a genetic disease that leads to poor coordination, a weak immune system, and an increased risk of cancer)
- Hereditary tyrosinemia ( a genetic disorder wherein the body cannot breakdown the amino acid tyrosine, the build-up of which leads to liver and kidney disturbances)
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer and are getting repeated tests done, the results may be interpreted as follows-
- Increasing AFP levels may mean that the cancer is spreading or the treatment is not working.
- Decreasing AFP levels may mean that the treatment is working.
- No change in the AFP levels may mean that the disease is stable.
- A decrease in levels followed by an increase in the level of AFP may mean that cancer has come back.
Sample Report
Limitations
An AFP tumor marker test cannot be solely used to screen for or diagnose cancer. This is because high AFP levels don’t necessarily mean cancer and normal levels do not necessarily rule out cancer. AFP levels may be high due to other reasons like pregnancy and liver conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc. AFP levels may also be high when the liver is regenerating after a liver injury, like in patients with liver transplants. Thus, in such cases, the AFP Test results are false positive.
Conclusion
Alpha-fetoprotein or AFP test is used with other tests for the diagnosis of liver cancer or cancers of ovaries or testicles. It may also be high in other cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma or in non-cancerous conditions of the liver as well as pregnancy. There is a separate AFP Test for pregnancy. Regardless of the results, it is essential for you to discuss them with your healthcare provider for a better understanding and course of action. The prognosis of most cancers is better with early diagnosis and timely treatment. AFP Test, along with other diagnostic tests can thus help in the early detection of the above-mentioned cancers.
Exercise, meditate, and sleep well! We wish you a happy, healthy, and relaxed life!
FAQ’s
The normal AFP level is less than 10 nanograms per milliliter in adult males and non-pregnant females.
High AFP may be an indicator of cancer. Levels above 400ng/mL may be present in liver cancer or germ cell tumor of ovaries and testicles.
Yes, severe cases of fatty liver may increase AFP levels.
AFP levels start rising from the 15th to the 20th week of pregnancy and vary from 10ng/mL to 150ng/mL.
An AFP blood test is done as a part of triple test (maternal serum screen) during pregnancy to check the baby’s risk of birth defects and genetic disorders, such as neural tube defects or Down syndrome. This test is different from the AFP tumor marker test.
No, fasting is not needed.
Sources
What is an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker Test? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Alpha Fetoprotein – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
How to book AFP Test?
₹800 ₹1600
AFP Test
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.