Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

This test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in blood serum. AFP is an embryonic protein produced primarily by the liver and yolk sac in the fetus. Its levels decrease sharply after birth. In adults, elevated AFP levels are an important tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and embryogenic (non-spermogenic) testicular or ovarian tumors. It is also used in triple/quadruple screening tests during pregnancy to detect neural tube defects or certain chromosomal abnormalities.