AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein): Tumor Marker Test
Short Name: AFP Tumor Marker
Also known as: Alpha Fetoprotein Test, AFP Blood Test, AFP Tumor Marker, Alpha-Fetoprotein Serum Test, AFP Cancer Marker Test
AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein): Tumor Marker Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹936. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in 24 to 48 hours from sample collection. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The AFP Tumor Marker Test is ordered for several purposes: to help detect and diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and germ cell tumors (testicular and ovarian cancers); to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment; to detect cancer recurrence after treatment; and to screen individuals at high risk for liver cancer, such as those with chronic hepatitis B or C infection or liver cirrhosis. The test may also be ordered as part of a broader panel of tumor markers to evaluate undiagnosed masses or to assess the stage and prognosis of certain cancers.
- Test Code
- 69
- CPT Code
- 82105
- ICD Code
- R77.2
- Price
- ₹936
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- 24 to 48 hours from sample collection
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample Collection
No special preparation such as fasting or dietary restriction is required before the AFP test. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or existing medical conditions, particularly liver disease or pregnancy, as these may influence the results.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using standard venipuncture technique. The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes and is minimally discomfortable.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site may occur and usually resolves within a day. You may resume normal activities immediately after the test. Your doctor will review and discuss the results with you.
Timeline: 24 to 48 hours from sample collection
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The AFP Tumor Marker Test is ordered for several purposes: to help detect and diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and germ cell tumors (testicular and ovarian cancers); to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment; to detect cancer recurrence after treatment; and to screen individuals at high risk for liver cancer, such as those with chronic hepatitis B or C infection or liver cirrhosis. The test may also be ordered as part of a broader panel of tumor markers to evaluate undiagnosed masses or to assess the stage and prognosis of certain cancers.
How to Prepare
- No fasting is required prior to the test
- Stay well hydrated before sample collection
- Inform the phlebotomist if you are pregnant or have liver disease
- Wear loose-fitting sleeves to allow easy access to the arm
- Bring a valid photo ID and doctor's prescription or requisition form
- Inform the lab about any biotin or supplement use
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"AFP is one of the most widely used serum tumor markers. It plays an important role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and post-treatment surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and certain germ cell tumors such as testicular and ovarian cancers. Elevated AFP levels warrant correlation with clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and sometimes biopsy for definitive diagnosis. I recommend AFP testing for patients with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or those at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as in the management of germ cell tumors. A single elevated AFP result should not be interpreted in isolation, and follow-up testing is essential."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or severely lipemic samples
- Samples collected in incorrect tubes (non-SST)
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 0.5 mL serum)
- Samples left at room temperature beyond 6 hours
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
Understanding Your Results
AFP levels within the normal reference range. This does not completely rule out cancer, as some tumors may not produce elevated AFP.
Range: < 10 ng/mL
May be seen in chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or early-stage cancer. Clinical correlation and additional testing are recommended.
Range: 10 - 100 ng/mL
Often associated with hepatocellular carcinoma or germ cell tumors. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) and further diagnostic workup are strongly recommended.
Range: 100 - 1,000 ng/mL
Strongly suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced germ cell tumors. Urgent clinical evaluation, imaging, and possible biopsy are typically indicated.
Range: > 1,000 ng/mL
Consult your doctor if your AFP levels are above the normal reference range, if you experience symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, a painless lump in the testicle, abdominal bloating, or urinary urgency. Also consult a physician if you have risk factors such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or a family history of liver or germ cell cancer. Elevated AFP results require clinical correlation and should not be interpreted in isolation.
Limitations
- ⚠AFP alone is not sufficient for cancer diagnosis and must be correlated with imaging and clinical findings
- ⚠Not all liver cancers produce elevated AFP; approximately 30-40% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases have normal AFP levels
- ⚠AFP levels may be elevated in benign liver conditions, leading to potential false positives
- ⚠The test does not distinguish between different causes of AFP elevation
- ⚠AFP is not useful as a general population screening test for cancer
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or pain at the needle insertion site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness in sensitive individuals during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Pregnancy significantly elevates AFP levels due to fetal production
- ●Chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause mild to moderate AFP elevation
- ●Certain benign liver conditions including hepatoadenoma and hemangioma may raise AFP levels
- ●Other non-cancerous conditions such as ataxia telangiectasia can cause elevated AFP
- ●Use of biotin supplements may interfere with immunoassay results
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic serum samples may affect test accuracy
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein): Tumor Marker Test | CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test | Beta-hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Test | CA-125 Test | LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein): Tumor Marker Test | CEA is primarily used to monitor colorectal cancer, while AFP is the primary marker for liver cancer and certain germ cell tumors. They are often used together in cancer surveillance panels. | Beta-hCG is another germ cell tumor marker, particularly for testicular and gestational trophoblastic diseases. AFP and beta-hCG are frequently ordered together in the evaluation of testicular cancer. | CA-125 is used primarily for ovarian cancer monitoring. AFP may also be elevated in ovarian germ cell tumors, making both markers complementary in ovarian cancer evaluation. | LDH is a non-specific marker that reflects tumor burden. It is often measured alongside AFP and beta-hCG in the staging and monitoring of germ cell tumors. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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