AFP Test (Alpha-Fetoprotein)

What Does the AFP Test Measure?

The AFP test measures the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein in your bloodstream, serving different purposes depending on your situation:

• During pregnancy: Screens for neural tube defects like spina bifida or chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome in the developing baby
• Cancer detection: Identifies elevated levels that may indicate liver cancer, testicular cancer, or ovarian cancer
• Treatment monitoring: Tracks how well cancer treatments are working by observing changes in AFP levels
• Cancer recurrence: Detects if cancer has returned after successful treatment
• Liver disease assessment: Monitors patients with chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis who are at higher risk for liver cancer

AFP Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an AFP Test?

Your doctor may recommend an AFP test if you experience symptoms that could suggest liver or reproductive system cancers:

• A lump or swelling in your abdomen, especially on the upper right side.
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes)
• For men, a painless lump or swelling in the testicle
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food.

Who Should Get an AFP Test?

The AFP test is recommended for specific groups of people based on their health risk factors or status:

• Pregnant women: Routinely offered as part of prenatal screening between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.
• High-risk individuals: People with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C.
• Cancer patients: Individuals already diagnosed with liver, testicular, or ovarian cancer for monitoring purposes.
• Patients with suspicious symptoms: Those showing signs that may suggest certain types of cancer.

Why Is an AFP Test Done?

An AFP test serves as a valuable screening and monitoring tool that helps detect potential problems in unborn babies and assists in diagnosing, managing, and tracking the treatment progress of specific cancers in adults.

Importance of an AFP Test

The AFP test plays a crucial role in both prenatal care and cancer management. During pregnancy, it provides a non-invasive way to identify pregnancies that may have higher risks for certain birth defects, allowing you and your doctor to make informed decisions about further testing.

In cancer care, the AFP test is essential for early detection of certain cancers in high-risk patients. It helps your doctor stage cancer, determine your prognosis, and most importantly, assess whether your cancer treatment is working effectively or if cancer has returned after treatment. This simple blood test provides vital information that guides important medical decisions in your healthcare journey.

AFP Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an AFP Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'AFP Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the AFP Test Available Near You?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the AFP test through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample in the comfort of your home. This convenient service eliminates the need for travel and waiting time at a pathology lab, making it easier for you to prioritise your health. With our extensive network of 10,000 touchpoints and commitment to accessible testing, you can trust that accurate results and reliable service are available right where you need them most.

How Long Does It Take to Get an AFP Test Report?

Reports are usually available after 6 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get AFP Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting AFP Test Results

What Your AFP Test Results May Indicate

The following table helps you understand what your AFP test results may mean:

Conditions that May Affect AFP Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your AFP test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Biotin supplements: High-dose biotin (more than 5 mg per day) can interfere with test results, requiring at least an 8-hour wait time before a blood draw.
• Pregnancy status: AFP levels change throughout pregnancy, requiring specific interpretation based on gestational age.
• Liver conditions: Chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause elevated levels unrelated to cancer.
• Age factors: Newborns naturally have very high AFP levels that gradually decrease over the first year of life.
• Sample quality: Haemolysed, lipemic, or icteric blood samples may affect accuracy.
• Laboratory variations: Different testing methods may produce slightly different results.

How Is an AFP Test Done?

The AFP test follows a simple blood collection procedure that takes just a few minutes:

• A healthcare professional cleans an area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• A band is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
• A small needle is inserted into the vein to collect 2 ml of blood into a special tube.
• Your blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method.
• The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the puncture site.

How Should You Prepare for an AFP Test?

AFP test preparation is straightforward and requires minimal effort:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue medications: Take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Inform about supplements: Tell your healthcare provider about any biotin supplements you're taking.
• Provide medical history: Share relevant clinical history, as this information helps with result interpretation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to make blood collection easier.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes that allow easy access to your arm for a blood draw.

Diseases that an AFP Test Can Help Detect

The AFP test can assist in identifying several important health conditions:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer)
• Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours of the testes
• Yolk sac tumours of the ovary
• Neural tube defects in developing babies during pregnancy
• Gastric carcinoma (stomach cancer) in some cases
• Pancreatic carcinoma occasionally
• Lymphoma in certain situations
• Lung cancer in rare instances

AFP Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are additional tests and packages available at Metropolis Healthcare that complement the AFP test for comprehensive health assessment:

AFP Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an AFP test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.