If pregnant, item 66743 applies ($20.10 Public Price)
APPLICATION: Detection and monitoring of hepatocellular and germ cell tumours, particularly for recurrence after treatment. Assessment of risk for neural tube and other defects in utero, including Downs syndrome (one of the components of the "triple test").
INTERPRETATION: Hepatocellular carcinoma is usually associated with very high levels of AFP, but a normal level does not exclude the diagnosis of this, or of germ cell tumour. Moderate increases may occur with non-malignant disease associated with liver cell regeneration. Increased levels have high sensitivity and low specificity for fetal abnormalities. Low maternal levels are associated with Downs syndrome pregnancies; results must be interpreted in conjunction with other tests. Consult a Chemical Pathologist.
