Alpha fetoprotein

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Fetal alpha globulin; AFP

The normal values in males or nonpregnant females is generally less than 40 micrograms/liter.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Greater-than-normal levels of AFP may be due to:

• Cancer in testes, ovaries, biliary (liver secretion) tract, stomach, or pancreas
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Liver cancer
• Malignant teratoma
• Recovery from hepatitis

During pregnancy, abnormal levels of AFP (as part of a quadruple screen) may be due to:

• Birth defects, including:
  • Anencephaly
  • Duodenal atresia
  • Gastroschisis
  • Omphalocele
  • Spina bifida
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Turner syndrome
• Inaccurate due date
• Intrauterine death (usually results in a miscarriage)
• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)

Review Date: 09/02/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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