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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does My Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test Result Indicate?

At 65 I had my annual physical and my blood done. I always request the results and ask question witj my follow visit. There was a test name ALPHA-1- FETOPROTEIN done and the results were 2.4 with a reference range of 0-10.9 . I did some research and forun it was a test usually done on woman for fetial reason.. wgy is this test done on men?
Fri, 29 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome.
Along with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Estriol, Inhibin-A, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) forms Quadruple screening test which is done in the second trimester of pregnancy to detect certain defects in the fetus like spina bifida & chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome.
However, it can also be useful to diagnose and monitor certain liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer in both the sexes.
As a 'tumor marker' it can also help detect several other cancers, including cancers of the testes, ovaries, biliary tract, stomach, & pancreas.
Therefore in men this test test is done to diagnose and monitor certain cancers like those of testes, stomach, biliary tract and pancreas apart from the liver conditions as mentioned earlier.
If the AFP level is HIGH it may indicate the presence of certain cancers or liver diseases.
Hope to have answered your query.
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What Does My Alpha-fetoprotein Blood Test Result Indicate?

Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome. Along with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Estriol, Inhibin-A, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) forms Quadruple screening test which is done in the second trimester of pregnancy to detect certain defects in the fetus like spina bifida & chromosomal abnormalities such as Down s syndrome. However, it can also be useful to diagnose and monitor certain liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer in both the sexes. As a tumor marker it can also help detect several other cancers, including cancers of the testes, ovaries, biliary tract, stomach, & pancreas. Therefore in men this test test is done to diagnose and monitor certain cancers like those of testes, stomach, biliary tract and pancreas apart from the liver conditions as mentioned earlier. If the AFP level is HIGH it may indicate the presence of certain cancers or liver diseases. Hope to have answered your query.