Patient education: Alpha-fetoprotein tumor marker test (The Basics)

What is an alpha-fetoprotein test? — 

This test measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein, or "AFP," in the blood. AFP is a protein produced by some tumors. Normally, it is produced by the fetus (developing baby) when a person is pregnant.

Doctors use an AFP test to check for or monitor certain kinds of tumors that produce AFP.

Why might I get an AFP test? — 

Your doctor might order this test:

●To see if you might have a tumor that makes AFP – If you have symptoms that could be from this kind of tumor, this test can confirm it. Some people get an AFP test because they have another condition that increases their risk of this kind of tumor.

●If you were already diagnosed with a tumor that produces AFP – This is 1 test doctors use to monitor your condition. If your tumor goes away, they might use this test to check if it comes back.

How do I prepare for an AFP test? — 

You need to get a "blood draw." Your doctor or nurse will tell you where to go for this.

It might help to wear a short-sleeve shirt to your blood draw appointment. This makes it easier for the person drawing your blood to get to your arm.

What happens during a blood draw? — 

A needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your arm (figure 1). Collecting the blood only takes a few minutes. The blood is then tested in a lab.

Tell the person who takes your blood:

●If you take "blood thinner" medicines or have a bleeding problem – They will make sure your bleeding is under control before you leave.

●If you have a latex allergy – Some of the supplies used for blood draws might contain latex.

●If you have a preferred arm to use

Most of the time, getting blood taken does not cause problems. You might have a little soreness or bruising where the needle went in.

What do my results mean? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when your results are ready.

If the AFP test shows your AFP is high, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. They might need to do more tests to figure out the cause.

If you have a health problem, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

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