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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100144.htm

Alpha fetoprotein - series—Results

Results

Overview

Normal AFP levels for men for for non-pregnant women are less than 300 nanograms per milliliter.

Greater than normal levels of AFP may be due to:

  • Cancer in testes, ovaries, biliary (liver secretion) tract, stomach, or pancreas
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Liver cancer
  • Malignant teratoma
  • Recovery from hepatitis
  • Problems during pregnancy

Most "positive" AFP tests are actually false positives.

During pregnancy, increased levels of AFP may indicate:

  • Fetal defects
  • Spina bifida
  • Anencephaly
  • Omphalocele
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Duodenal atresia
  • Turner's syndrome
  • Intrauterine death

Review Date 8/23/2023

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.