HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Blood
Why It Is Done
The AFP test is done to:
- Check the developing baby (fetus) of a pregnant woman for brain or spinal problems (called Reference neural tube defects Opens New Window). Such defects occur in about 2 out of every 1,000 pregnancies.Reference 1 The chance of a neural tube defect in a baby is not related to the mother's age. Most women whose babies have neural tube defects have no family history of these problems.
- Check the developing baby (fetus) of a pregnant woman for Down syndrome.
- Find certain cancers, especially cancer of the testicles, ovaries, or liver. But up to half of the people with liver cancer do not have high AFP levels.
- Check how well treatment for cancer is working.
- Check for liver cancer (called hepatoma) in people who have Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window or chronic Reference hepatitis B Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
