Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Antibody

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. It is also produced in small quantities by the fetal gastrointestinal tract. AFP levels are typically high in the fetus, but they decrease rapidly after birth and remain low in healthy adults. AFP is considered a marker of fetal development. During pregnancy, AFP levels can be measured in the mother's blood or amniotic fluid as part of prenatal screening tests. Abnormal levels of AFP may indicate certain developmental abnormalities, such as neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) or chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome).Elevated levels of AFP in the blood can also be indicative of certain types of cancer, particularly liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and certain germ cell tumors. In patients with liver cancer, AFP levels may be used as a tumor marker to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. However, it's important to note that not all cases of liver cancer produce elevated AFP levels, and AFP levels can also be elevated in other conditions, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.AFP testing is commonly used in clinical practice for various purposes:Prenatal Screening, AFP Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring, and Monitoring Liver Disease