The enzyme immunoassay method commonly used to measure alpha-fetoprotein requires fasting, as food may affect the results. The radioimmunoassay method does not require fasting.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and various tumors. At present, it is mainly used as a serum marker for primary liver cancer in clinical practice. The normal reference range for serum AFP level is less than 25ng/ml.
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein does not necessarily mean that there is a malignant disease, for example, alpha-fetoprotein is also elevated in women during pregnancy. Acute and chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis can also lead to different degrees of elevated alpha-fetoprotein. Hepatocellular liver cancer, chronic active liver disease, reproductive system tumors, malignant teratoma and so on will have elevated alpha-fetoprotein.
Fasting is required before the test, and avoid eating too oily food the day before. The examinee needs to consult a specialized doctor after getting the test results.