AFP

The AP (alpha-fetoprotein) test is performed primarily for the detection of fetal malformations and hepatocellular carcinoma hepatocellular carcinoma.

AFP testing

AFP is a fetal protein that is produced by the fetus a specifically by the gallbladder, liver and gastrointestinal tract An increase in its concentration occurs in certain cancers and during pregnancy. The presence of AFP can indicate liver cancer, testicular cancer or cirrhosis, but is performed especially to detect malformations in the developing fetus.

The AFP test is performed:

• in pregnant women to detect malformations in the developing fetus (especially of the nervous system, such as neural tube defects neural tube defects),
• for the detection and monitoring of cancer (e.g cancers of the liver, testes, ovaries, , kidney, lung, stomach and lymphomas).

Alpha-fetoprotein concentration in pregnancy

AFP concentration may be increased in life-threatening conditions of the baby or in a termination pregnancy, while a decrease in its concentration may indicate Down syndrome - AFP testing is an important test screening to rule out certain developmental disorders, or indicating the need for an in-depth diagnosis.

It is optimally conducted between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy, but can also be carried out between 15 and 20 weeks AFP concentration peaks between 10 and 13 weeks pregnancy, and gradually decreases from 14 to 32 weeks.

The AFP assay is also performed in people struggling with liver cancer or in the course of other cancers metastasizing to the liver. AFP concentration is increased at the stage of tumor growth, but is reduced when successful treatment is administered effective treatment, so it can also serve to monitor the effectiveness of effectiveness of therapy. Abnormal AFP levels can also be associated with non-cancerous disease, such as liver or kidney disease.

AFP Preparation and test

The alpha-fetoprotein test requires a blood sample taken from the patient.

• The test consists of collecting blood into an EDTA tube in accordance with blood drawing procedures, disinfecting the skin, applying a tourniquet, and putting pressure on the site after the procedure, which lasts a few minutes.
• The blood drawing procedure takes several seconds.
• If the patient does not follow pre-test instructions, results may not be valid
• The test should be performed in the morning.

Required preparation for the AFP test

The day before the test:

• Avoid eating heavy, fatty meals and drinking alcohol up to 24 hours before the test.
• Refrain from drinking coffee and tea at least 12 hours before the test..

On the day of the test:

• The test should be done on an empty stomach - refrain from eating for about 8-12 hours prior to the test.
• You may drink a small amount of water in the morning.
• If possible, blood should be drawn before taking the morning dose of medications, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• The test should be performed in the morning
• Before the test, the patient should rest for about 10 - 15 minutes (sitting position).
• Exercise, including moderate physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs, may change the results of the lab test.

AFP results

• Results are available within 3 business days.
• You may collect your results at the reception desk of a chosen Centre.
• You may access your results via Medicover Online (you must first collect the password to access your results at the Medicover Centre reception desk).