Inquiry
Hello Doctor,
Recently, I underwent a health check-up and had an AFP test. My result was recorded as 16.39 (Reference range: 0 - 5.8 IU/mL). I would like to ask for your consultation on the AFP quantitative test results. Thank you for your consultation.
Anonymous Customer
Response
Responded by Tran Quynh Trang, MD., MSc - Department of Laboratory Medicine, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Hello,
Regarding the question: "Consultation on AFP quantitative test results?", I responds as follows:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a normal protein found in immature liver cells, formed during the fetal stage. In newborns, AFP levels are relatively high, but they rapidly decrease within the first year of life to match adult values. Additionally, pregnant women carrying a fetus with neural tube defects may have elevated AFP levels. Additionally, pregnant women carrying a fetus with neural tube defects may have elevated AFP levels.
Moreover, statistics indicate that two-thirds of liver cancer patients also produce a high levels of AFP. Therefore, AFP marker testing is used for liver cancer screening and treatment monitoring. The AFP reference range of 0 - 5.8 IU/mL is considered normal; however, it may vary between laboratories. An AFP level exceeding 25 IU/mL may suggest underlying diseases. In liver cancer patients, AFP levels increase significantly: approximately 80% of liver cancer patients have AFP > 25 IU/mL, about 60% have AFP > 100 IU/mL, and around 50% have AFP > 300 IU/mL. The AFP test plays a crucial role in diagnosing liver cancer and monitoring treatment. However, AFP results alone are insufficient to confirm liver cancer, as elevated AFP levels can also be observed in acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, pregnancy, and other conditions. Conversely, normal AFP levels do not entirely rule out liver cancer, as 20 - 30% of primary liver cancer patients do not exhibit high AFP levels, not to mention cases of secondary liver cancer. Therefore, accurate liver cancer detection requires AFP testing in combination with other tests and imaging diagnostics. In your case, the test result falls within the normal range. However, it is advisable to undergo regular health check-ups for better health management.
If you have further concerns regarding the AFP quantitative test results, you may visit a medical facility within the Vinmec Healthcare System for timely examination and treatment. Thank you for trusting and submitting your question to Vinmec. Wishing you good health.
Best regards!
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