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AFP
A protein normally produced by the fetus. In adults — a marker of liver and germ cell tumors, and a monitoring tool in chronic liver disease.
Other names: AFP, Alpha-FetoproteinSection: Tumor markers
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortAFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a protein normally produced by the fetus. In men and non-pregnant women a typical range is 0.7–9.3 ng/mL (0.7–9.3 µg/L). Growth in adults occurs with liver and germ cell tumors; moderate elevation — with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Men and non-pregnant women
0.7–9.3 ng/mL (0.7–9.3 µg/L)
The source gives 0.7–9.3 ng/mL (0.7–9.3 µg/L) for men and non-pregnant women; pregnancy uses separate week-specific scales. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.
Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.
What this marker is
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is the main serum protein of the fetus, produced by the baby's liver and yolk sac. After birth the level falls quickly, and healthy adults keep only trace amounts in their blood.
In adults the test is used in two situations: as a tumor marker (rising AFP is typical of hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors of the testes and ovaries) and for monitoring chronic liver disease — in hepatitis and cirrhosis the level rises moderately as liver cells renew. In pregnancy, AFP is part of prenatal screening with its own week-specific scales.
When it is high
Hepatocellular carcinomaThe main tumor for which AFP is a key marker — especially against cirrhosis and hepatitis B or C.
Germ cell tumorsTumors of the testes and ovaries from germ cells often raise AFP (usually together with hCG).
Chronic hepatitis and cirrhosisLiver regeneration moderately raises the level — such patients are tracked over time.
PregnancyA physiological rise; deviations from the week-specific scale are assessed by the obstetrician within screening.
When it is low
Normal findingA low AFP is the typical result of a healthy adult.
Prenatal screeningIn pregnancy, a value low for the gestational week is assessed by the doctor together with other markers — not a diagnosis by itself.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
PregnancyChronic liver diseaseGestational age (in screening)
How to prepare
Blood from a vein; no special preparation. For trend monitoring, use the same lab — assays differ. In pregnancy, AFP is drawn strictly at the weeks set by the doctor (usually 15–20).
When a retest makes sense
In liver disease monitoring — together with ultrasound on the doctor's schedule (usually every 6 months in cirrhosis); in pregnancy — strictly at screening weeks.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: hepatologist, oncologist; in pregnancy — obstetrician-gynecologist. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: AFPAlpha-fetoproteinalpha-FPTotal AFP
Units and conversion
Measured in: ng/mL
ng/mL=µg/L
µg/L = ng/mL (numerically identical). Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
AFP of 12 ng/mL (12 µg/L) with hepatitis C — is it liver cancer?
Not necessarily: moderate elevation is common in chronic liver disease. The doctor will review the trend and order a liver ultrasound — recommended regularly in cirrhosis anyway.
Does a normal AFP rule out liver cancer?
No. Some tumors do not produce AFP. That is why cirrhosis follow-up is built on regular ultrasound, with the blood test as an add-on.
Why do men take AFP?
In germ cell tumors of the testes, AFP (together with hCG) aids diagnosis and treatment monitoring — ordered by a urologist or oncologist.
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