📌 What is the AFP – Ascitic Fluid Test?
A laboratory test that measures alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in ascitic fluid (fluid in the abdomen). AFP is a protein produced by the liver and is used to detect cancer, liver disease, and abdominal malignancies.
📊 Normal Ranges
✔ Ascitic Fluid AFP: < 10 ng/mL (varies by lab)
🚨 High AFP Levels in Ascitic Fluid May Indicate:
🔺 Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) spreading into the abdomen
🔺 Peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer spread in the abdominal lining)
🔺 Liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease
🔺 Germ cell tumors (rare abdominal cancers)
📉 Low or Normal AFP Levels May Suggest:
✔ Benign ascites (due to liver cirrhosis, heart failure, or infections)
🎯 Purpose of the Test
✅ Helps diagnose liver cancer (HCC) with peritoneal involvement
✅ Differentiates between cancerous vs. non-cancerous ascitic fluid
✅ Assists in detecting metastatic cancers in the abdomen
✅ Supports evaluation of chronic liver disease complications
💡 Key Facts
🔹 AFP is a tumor marker commonly elevated in liver and germ cell cancers
🔹 Testing AFP in ascitic fluid helps differentiate malignant vs. benign causes of ascites
🔹 Used alongside imaging (CT, ultrasound) and other tumor markers for diagnosis
🔹 Not a definitive cancer test—further investigations are needed if AFP is high