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Choose collection locationTumour Markers · Individual laboratory test
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
AFP is a protein that can be measured in selected liver and germ-cell conditions. Pregnancy and non-cancerous liver disease can also influence it.
Price for this test on its ownAED 170Test price AED 70
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) test measure?
Also called Liver & Germ-Cell Marker
A specialist may request AFP in defined liver surveillance or germ-cell tumour follow-up. The significance depends strongly on why it was ordered and whether pregnancy is relevant.
When it may be requested
Monitoring selected conditions
A specialist may use AFP alongside imaging and other findings in specific liver or germ-cell conditions.
Reviewing trends
A person's prior measurements help the specialist assess whether a change needs investigation.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Fasting is unnecessary. For monitoring, follow the specialist's timing and bring prior AFP values. Mention pregnancy, liver conditions and recent treatment.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideAlpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
Reading your result
The direction of change is useful in a monitoring plan. Non-cancerous liver injury can raise AFP, and some tumours do not release it.
What can affect it
- AFP can change with pregnancy and non-cancerous liver conditions and is not a general cancer screen.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testAlpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Review AFP with prior levels, liver findings and the specialist's intended monitoring interval.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can AFP be used as a stand-alone cancer check?
No. A normal result cannot exclude cancer and an elevated result has several explanations. Clinicians use it for defined indications with imaging or other follow-up.
Why is AFP high in pregnancy?
AFP is made mainly by the fetal liver, so it rises normally in the mother's blood during pregnancy. A raised result in a pregnant woman is expected and is interpreted against completely different pregnancy criteria, not the adult range. Tell the team before the test if you are or might be pregnant, so the result is not read as abnormal.
Why can AFP results differ between laboratories?
Different assay methods produce AFP values that are not directly comparable, so a change between two laboratories may reflect the method rather than your health. If you are being monitored, give samples at consistent intervals and, where practical, through the same laboratory. Bring your previous AFP results so the direction of travel can be seen.
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Your next step
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.