Alpha-Fetoprotein as a Biomarker Not Classified Only for Pregnancy, but also Different Levels Might Show Problems in Another Organ Systems [Part 1]
1. Summary Alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] is a protein normal made by the yolk sac, intestines and liver of a developing foetus. AFP levels go down soon after birth, so healthy children and adults usually have very little AFP in their blood. A higher level of AFP in the blood may also mean that there is something wrong in the liver. In this article we will point out problems clinicians may face while getting results of AFP levels out of physiological range in pregnancy (Figure 1) and levels out of range in different organ systems.