Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Lab area

Clinical Biochemistry - General

Method and equipment

Abbott Ci4100

Expected turn-around time

STAT/ Urgent: 6 hours Routine: 24 hours

Specimen type

Serum, Sodium/Lithium Heparin / EDTA plasma, Amniotic fluid

Specimen requirements

150 uL

Storage and transportation

Frozen

Shipping information

The Hospital for Sick Children

Rapid Response Laboratory

555 University Avenue, Room 3642

Toronto, ON

Canada

M5G 1X8

Phone: 416-813-7200

Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212

Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day

Requisition

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) - requisition

Background and clinical significance

The discovery of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in fetal serum was first recorded by Bergstrand and Czar in 1956.

Alpha-fetoprotein is a single polypeptide chain glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 70,000 daltons. It is secreted into fetal serum, reaching a peak at about 13 weeks gestation and gradually declining thereafter. Elevated serum AFP levels subsequently reappear during pregnancy and in conjunction with several malignant diseases