Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker Test
The AFP test measures alpha-fetoprotein, a protein in blood serum. Quest describes AFP elevation as associated with certain cancers, including nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma, and notes it is not used for general population screening.
About this test
Alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, is a protein measured in a 1 mL serum sample using immunoassay. Quest describes levels above those found in healthy individuals as associated with several malignant diseases, most notably nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma.
AFP is used for monitoring or screening, not diagnosis on its own, and Quest is explicit that it is not used for general population screening. A single AFP result is one data point that a clinician reads together with a person's history, imaging and other findings.
Test details
| Quest code | 237 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Related tests and panels
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports a single value: the level of AFP in blood serum, measured using immunoassay. Quest lists the test under the alias AFP, referring to the same alpha-fetoprotein measurement.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the AFP test measure?
It measures alpha-fetoprotein in a serum sample using immunoassay. Quest describes elevated levels as associated with nonseminomatous testicular cancer and primary hepatocellular carcinoma.
How is the sample collected?
A 1 mL serum sample is collected during a routine blood draw.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Is AFP used to screen the general population?
No. Quest is explicit that AFP is not used for general population screening. It is used for monitoring or screening in specific clinical situations, not for diagnosis on its own.
What does AFP stand for?
Alpha-fetoprotein. Quest also lists the test under the alias AFP.
How much does the AFP Alpha-Fetoprotein, Tumor Marker test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $115. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.