Alpha-foetoprotein, serum
Clinical Background:
AFP is a glycoprotein secreted by the yolk-sac and liver of the foetus and is therefore absent in the serum of healthy adults. It is also produced by a variety of tumours including hepatocellular c...
AFP is a glycoprotein secreted by the yolk-sac and liver of the foetus and is therefore absent in the serum of healthy adults. It is also produced by a variety of tumours including hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the ovary and testis (eg, yolk sac and embryonal carcinoma). It is useful in the follow-up management of patients undergoing cancer therapy and often used in conjunction with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Whilst its function is unknown, its amino-acid sequence shows similarities with albumin and suggests a carrier protein function. It has a half-life in the region of 4.5 - 6 days.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated: 7 days
Separated:- At 20-25C - 3 days
- At 2-8C - 7 days
- At -20C - 3 months
Unseparated: 7 days
Separated:- At 20-25C - 3 days
- At 2-8C - 7 days
- At -20C - 3 months
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Reference Ranges:
18 years and over: <6kU/L
AFP levels are very high at birth and fall within the first weeks of life, with a half-life of 5.5 days. Suggest repeat within 24 hours to monitor trend if concerned.
18 years and over: <6kU/L
AFP levels are very high at birth and fall within the first weeks of life, with a half-life of 5.5 days. Suggest repeat within 24 hours to monitor trend if concerned.
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Other Info:
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: