A plasma protein normally produced by the foetus' liver. AFP eventually finds its way into the mother's blood and the amniotic fluid. When too much or too little AFP enters the mother's blood stream it can be a sign of foetal problems, such as birth defects. High AFP levels in the mother's blood indicate an increased risk of Foetal Spina Bifida or other malformations. Low AFP levels are associated with an increased risk of Down's Syndrome and other chromosomal problems.

A protein produced by a growing fetus; it is present in amniotic fluid and, in smaller amounts, in the mother's blood.

ABBR: AFP. An antigen present in the human fetus and in certain pathological conditions in the adult. The maternal serum level can be evaluated at 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy to detect fetal abnormalities. Elevated levels indicate the possibility that neural tube defects (principally anencephaly or spina bifida) are present in the fetus. Decreased levels may indicate an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. If an abnormal level of AFP is found, further tests such as ultrasound or amniocentesis will need to be done. Elevated serum levels are found in adults with certain hepatic carcinomas or chemical injuries. Test results may be abnormal in persons with diabetes, multiple pregnancies, or obesity.

A protein made by the fetus. In women carrying a fetus with spina bifida and certain other conditions, levels in the mother's blood tend to be a little higher. In women carrying a fetus with Down syndrome, levels in the maternal blood tend to be a little lower.

The predominant protein present in fetal blood. Small amounts are present in the maternal circulation during pregnancy, and the values change as the fetus grows. Abnormally high or low values are associated with increased risks of spina bifida and Down syndrome, respectively.

a protein produced by a developing fetus that is present in amniotic fluid and, in smaller amounts, in a pregnant woman's blood. Abnormal levels of AFP found in a blood test between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy can indicate abnormalities in the fetus.

A protein found in the bloodstream of some men with testicular cancer

A blood test used as a tumor marker for liver cancer. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels are also found in certain ovarian and teratocarcinoma or embryonal carcinoma of the testis. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels are not found in other histologies of testicular cancer. Normal range: Adults: 15 ng/ml.

Substance found in the bloodstream of some men with testicular cancer. The level rises when the cancer is growing and falls when the cancer is shrinking. A blood test can measure alpha-fetoprotein to determine the progress of the disease and success of treatment.

A protein normally synthesized by the liver, yolk sac, and GI tract of a human fetus, but which may be found elevated in the sera of adults having certain malignancies or carrying a fetus with neural defects.

(AL-fa-FEE-toe-PRO-teen) AFP. A protein normally produced by a fetus. AFP levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy adult men or women (who are not pregnant). An elevated level of AFP suggests the presence of either a primary liver cancer or germ cell tumor.

A plasma protein produced by the fetal liver and gastrointestinal tract; blood levels decline markedly by the age of one year but are again elevated in many cancerous condition and in some benign liver diseases such as cirrhosis and viral hepatitis.

natural human biochemical marker reflects likelihood of multiple births or birth defects

A protein excreted by the fetus into the amniotic fluid and from there into the mother's bloodstream through the placenta.

A fetal protein normally present in the blood and amniotic fluid of pregnant women. High or low levels can be associated with certain birth defects. The protein is also abnormally present in adults with liver cancer.

A protein secreted into the blood during pregnancy or when cancer cells are present. Increased levels may indicate the development of liver cancer, which is why the simple AFP blood test is included in the regular monitoring of those which chronic HBV.

(Also called AFP.) The liver of the fetus usually produces this plasma protein. Alpha-fetoprotein levels in the blood typically go down after birth, and by year one, the serum is virtually undetectable. The protein can reappear in the adult during some pathological stages. The alpha-fetoprotein level in the blood can be used as early detection for some cancer forms, most prominently hepatocellular carcinoma. It is elevated in liver tumors, hepatoblastoma, hemangioendothelioma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The level produced by liver tumors allows for the response of the treatment of the tumors to be monitored.

A blood test that analyses the developing fetus

Protein produced by the fetus's liver that can be detected in the mother's blood most accurately between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. High levels may be associated with a neural tube birth defect called spina bifida; low levels may be associated with Down syndrome.

A protein manufactured by the fetal yolk sac, and later by the fetus' gastro-intestinal tract and liver, that can help detect Down's syndrome, spina bifida, and other abnormalities.

A test that assesses the risk (does not diagnose) of neural tube defects and Down Syndrome. Usually given between the 15-20 weeks; preferred at 16 weeks.

A protein, also called AFP, which the fetus produces in its liver and brain. The level of alpha-fetoprotein tends to increase in the amniotic fluid when a fetus has an open neural tube defect or abdominal wall defect. The protein can be found in adults as well; it's particularly abundant in the blood of adults with certain forms of liver cancer.

A protein produced by the fetus that can be detected in the mother's blood most accurately between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy.

High levels of this protein in the mother's blood or amniotic sac often associated with neural tube defect.

A substance produced by the fetus that is found in fetal serum, amniotic fluid, and the mother's bloodstream. Elevated levels of AFP may indicate that the baby has a neural tube defect such as spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal column) which can lead to paralysis of the lower limbs, repeated urinary tract infections, mental retardation or hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"). It is also a useful nonspecific tumor-associated antigen (tumor marker).

A protein often found in abnormal amounts in the blood of patients with liver cancer.

Substance produced by the fetus. High blood levels in the mother can indicate a neural tube defect in the fetus. Low levels can indicate Down's syndrome.

This test may help to determine birth defects such as spina bifida and downs syndrome

A protein normally produced by a developing fetus. alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy adults. An elevated level of AFP suggests the presence of either a primary liver cancer or germ cell tumor.

a protein produced by the fetus that is excreted into the amniotic fluid. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein may indicate brain or spinal cord defects, multiple fetuses, a miscalculated due date, or chromosomal disorders.

Alphafetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally only produced in the fetus during its development. It is normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of the fetus. AFP levels decrease soon after birth and probably has no function in normal adults.