AFP with AFP-L3%

Test ID:

702747

CPT code:

702747

Synonyms:

•AFP With AFP-L3%
•Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) With AFP-L3%

Clinical Use:

The AFP-L3% assay is intended for use in the assessment of risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver diseases.1

Additional Test information:

Serum AFP levels are markedly elevated in the neonate because AFP is synthesized in large quantities during embryonic development by the fetal yolk sac and by the fetal liver.2 Serum AFP concentrations decrease gradually after birth until they reach adult levels by 12 to 18 months of age.2 Due to fetal production, AFP becomes elevated in maternal serum during pregnancy.2 Pathologically, increased AFP levels have been associated with both acute and chronic liver disease as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).2,3 AFP can also be elevated in a number of other malignancies including gastric, lung, pancreatic, biliary tract, and testicular carcinomas.2 Patients with chronic liver disease are at a greatly increased risk for developing HCC.2,3 Early detection of HCC is important, especially in high-risk populations.3 Unfortunately, increased AFP is often observed in patients with chronic liver disease that has not progressed to HCC.2,3 This serves to limit the utility of AFP measurements as an early indicator of progression to HCC in these patients.2,3