📌 What is the AFP Titre Test?
A blood test that measures the concentration (titre) of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the body. AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac and is used as a tumor marker for detecting and monitoring certain cancers and liver diseases.
📊 Normal Ranges
✔ Adults: < 10 ng/mL (varies by lab)
✔ Pregnancy: Higher levels are normal and vary by trimester
🚨 High AFP Titre Levels May Indicate:
🔺 Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma - HCC)
🔺 Germ cell tumors (testicular or ovarian cancer)
🔺 Metastatic cancer involving the liver
🔺 Chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C)
📉 Low or Normal AFP Titre Levels May Suggest:
✔ No active liver or germ cell tumors
✔ Benign liver conditions (if AFP remains stable in chronic liver disease)
🎯 Purpose of the Test
✅ Monitors AFP levels over time for cancer progression or treatment response
✅ Helps diagnose and track liver and germ cell tumors
✅ Assesses cancer recurrence after treatment
✅ Screens high-risk individuals (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis) for early cancer detection
💡 Key Facts
🔹 AFP titre is useful for tracking changes in AFP levels over time
🔹 Used alongside imaging (CT, MRI) and biopsy for diagnosis
🔹 Elevated AFP in pregnancy is normal and linked to fetal development
🔹 A rising AFP titre in cancer patients may indicate disease progression