Go to Sitemap
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - General
Method and equipment
Abbott Ci4100
Expected turn-around time
STAT/ Urgent: 6 hours
Routine: 24 hours
Specimen type
Serum, Sodium/Lithium Heparin / EDTA plasma, Amniotic fluid
Specimen requirements
150 uL
Storage and transportation
Frozen
Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Requisition
Background and clinical significance
The discovery of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in fetal serum was first recorded by Bergstrand and Czar in 1956.
Alpha-fetoprotein is a single polypeptide chain glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 70,000 daltons. It is secreted into fetal serum, reaching a peak at about 13 weeks gestation and gradually declining thereafter. Elevated serum AFP levels subsequently reappear during pregnancy and in conjunction with several malignant diseases
Browse tests by laboratory
Customer Service
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Local: 416-813-7200