ALPHA FETO PROTEIN ( AFP )

Interpretation :

• AFP concentrations remain low except during pregnancy, benign liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), primary hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary and testis, and teratocarcinoma of the testis.
• Increased circulating AFP concentrations may also occur in serum specimens from patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and pulmonary cancers.
• AFP testing during pregnancy in combination with Beta HCG and E3, Is recommended as an effective way to determine potential fetal risk of open neural tube defect (NTD).