Alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP) tests measure the level of AFP, a protein normally produced by the fetal liver, in a person’s blood; in adults, elevated AFP can act as a tumor marker most commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) and certain germ‑cell tumors (especially non‑seminomatous testicular cancer), so rising or high AFP levels can support a suspected cancer diagnosis when correlated with imaging and clinical findings.

AFP testing is also used for surveillance in high‑risk patients and to monitor response to therapy or detect recurrence, but it is not definitive by itself—mild or moderate AFP elevations can occur with benign liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), pregnancy, and other conditions, so abnormal results require further diagnostic evaluation (imaging, biopsy, clinical correlation).

The AFP (alpha‑fetoprotein) test is performed on a blood sample collected by venipuncture: a trained phlebotomist draws a small amount of blood (typically 2–5 mL) from a vein in your arm into a tube designed for serum. The laboratory separates the serum and measures AFP using standard immunoassay methods.

Fasting is usually not required, but follow any specific instructions from the testing service. Some mail‑in or point‑of‑care services may offer finger‑stick kits; venous blood is generally preferred for the most accurate results. Avoiding hemolysis (broken red cells) and following collector instructions helps ensure a reliable measurement. Results are interpreted in context with clinical history and other tests—AFP alone is not diagnostic.

Your AFP (alpha‑fetoprotein) result is one piece of information about cancer risk: higher-than-normal AFP can suggest certain cancers—most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and some germ cell tumors—but it is not a definitive diagnostic test on its own. Normal AFP does not rule out cancer, and many cancers never raise AFP. Conversely, noncancer conditions (pregnancy, acute or chronic liver injury, cirrhosis) can raise AFP, so an elevated value does not automatically mean you have cancer.

Clinicians interpret AFP alongside your history, imaging, and other tests: trends (rising or falling levels) are often more informative than a single number, and very high values are more suspicious for cancer in the appropriate clinical context. AFP is also commonly used to monitor treatment response or detect recurrence after therapy. Discuss your specific AFP value and next steps with your healthcare provider, who can recommend imaging, repeat testing, or biopsy if needed.

AFP (alpha‑fetoprotein) testing can be a useful indicator for certain cancers—most notably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and some germ cell tumors—but it is not perfectly accurate. Many cancers that produce AFP will raise levels, yet a substantial proportion of cancers (especially small or early HCCs) do not produce detectable AFP, and a single normal result does not rule out disease. Conversely, AFP can be elevated for noncancerous reasons such as pregnancy, acute or chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis), and cirrhosis, so an elevated value alone is not specific for cancer.

Because of these limitations, clinicians use AFP alongside imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), clinical risk factors, and serial measurements rather than as a standalone diagnostic test. Trends in AFP (rising or falling levels) are often more informative than a single value, and abnormal results typically prompt further imaging or biopsy for confirmation. In short, AFP adds helpful information but must be interpreted in context and followed up with other diagnostic steps.

The frequency depends on why you're testing: for routine screening of people at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (for example, chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis) AFP is often checked alongside ultrasound about every 6 months; for monitoring response to treatment or detecting recurrence (HCC or AFP‑producing germ‑cell tumors) tests are usually much more frequent right after therapy (often every 1–3 months), then spaced out to every 3–6 months and eventually annually if stable.

Exact intervals vary by cancer type, stage, treatment plan and local practice, and small AFP changes can reflect lab variability, so follow the schedule your specialist recommends and report any rising trend or new symptoms promptly for further evaluation.

No — AFP (alpha‑fetoprotein) test results are not diagnostic of cancer. They highlight patterns of imbalance or resilience in AFP-related biology that may raise suspicion or help monitor disease activity, but an abnormal or normal AFP alone does not establish a diagnosis.

AFP results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging, medical history, and other laboratory or biomarker data by a qualified clinician; further diagnostic workup (for example, targeted imaging or biopsy) is usually required to confirm or rule out cancer.

First, discuss the result with the clinician who ordered the test — AFP is a marker, not a diagnosis, and its meaning depends on your history (liver disease, pregnancy, germ‑cell tumor, cancer). If the elevation is due to cancer, appropriate cancer treatment (surgery, locoregional therapies, chemotherapy or targeted/immunotherapy as recommended by your oncologist) is the way AFP is usually reduced; your care team will use serial AFP measurements to monitor response. Do not try to “treat” AFP yourself — changes in treatment or surveillance should be made only by a specialist.

If the elevation is related to non‑malignant liver disease, improving liver health can help lower AFP: control or treat viral hepatitis (antiviral therapy), stop alcohol, lose weight if you have fatty liver, optimize diabetes and cholesterol control, avoid unnecessary hepatotoxic drugs and supplements, and follow up with a hepatologist for monitoring. In all cases, repeat testing on the schedule your clinician recommends and follow their plan for further imaging or biopsy if indicated.