Cancer Related
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Blood Test
£40.00
Evaluate potential cancer risks and liver conditions with a private Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) in London.
This test measures the level of AFP circulating in your bloodstream. While AFP is normally produced during foetal development, elevated levels in adults can serve as a crucial biomarker for identifying cellular abnormalities. This screening is highly effective for screening high-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), monitoring specific germ cell tumours like testicular cancer, and assisting specialists in the assessment of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
With a 5-day turnaround, this targeted screening provides the reliable clinical data your doctor needs to support complex oncological and hepatobiliary evaluations and guide appropriate care.
Biochemistry & Diagnostic Screening
Private Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Blood Test in London
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a complex protein that serves as a vital diagnostic marker in modern medicine. While naturally produced during fetal development, elevated levels in non-pregnant adults can be a crucial indicator of specific liver conditions or certain types of cancer. At Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria), we provide a highly accurate AFP blood test to support specialist liver monitoring, testicular cancer screening, and pregnancy assessments. Our expert clinical team in central London ensures a smooth, discreet, and highly professional experience.
📊 Test Specifications
Clinic Testing Fee
£40.00
+ £24.00 Phlebotomy Fee
Sample RequiredBlood Sample
Turnaround Time5 Days Processing
PreparationNo special instructions
StatusReferral Laboratory Analysis
Diagnostic Focus
What is the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test?
Alpha-Fetoprotein is a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and liver of a developing fetus. Shortly after birth, AFP levels drop rapidly, and healthy adults should only have trace amounts in their bloodstream. When adult liver cells are damaged, regenerating, or becoming malignant, they can revert to producing this fetal protein. As a result, measuring serum AFP is an indispensable tool for oncologists, hepatologists, and obstetricians to evaluate cellular abnormalities and fetal health.
Liver Health & HCC
Evaluating this biomarker is essential for:
- Screening high-risk patients for liver cancer
- Monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Assessing active liver cirrhosis
- Investigating severe chronic hepatitis
Germ Cell Tumours
This test is highly useful because it:
- Monitors non-seminomatous testicular cancer
- Evaluates specific ovarian germ cell tumours
- Assesses response to oncology treatments
- Detects potential tumour recurrence early
Pregnancy Support
The laboratory provides critical data to:
- Support maternal serum screening programmes
- Assess risks of neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida)
- Evaluate overall fetal development
- Assist specialist obstetric investigations
Clinical Uses
Why is Blood Testing for AFP Important?
Tumour markers like AFP provide physicians with an objective window into cellular activity that imaging alone cannot offer. By measuring exact protein concentrations, specialists can track the progression of specific cancers, evaluate whether a prescribed chemotherapy is shrinking a tumour, or monitor patients with chronic liver disease for malignant transformations.
Monitoring Chronic Liver Disease
Individuals with chronic liver conditions are at a significantly higher risk of developing primary liver cancer. Regular AFP screening is frequently recommended for patients presenting with:
- Long-standing cirrhosis caused by alcohol use or fatty liver disease.
- Chronic viral infections, specifically Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Unexplained symptoms of severe liver strain, such as rapid weight loss, jaundice, or upper abdominal pain.
Evaluating Reproductive & Fetal Health
In reproductive medicine and obstetrics, AFP is a versatile marker used for:
- Men presenting with testicular lumps, where AFP helps differentiate and stage specific types of testicular cancer.
- Pregnant women undergoing specialist screening (usually between 15-20 weeks gestation) to evaluate fetal developmental risks.
Understanding Tumour Markers
A quantitative AFP blood test provides essential diagnostic clarity for oncologists and hepatologists. For further clinical guidance on testicular cancer or liver disease in the UK, you can view the official NHS guide on testicular cancer.
Clinic Excellence
Why Choose Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria)?
Specialist Referral Laboratory
Your blood sample is securely transferred to an accredited specialist referral laboratory equipped to accurately isolate and measure complex protein tumour markers.
Reliable 5 Day Turnaround
Because quantifying diagnostic tumour markers requires meticulous processing and strict analytical controls, your comprehensive pathology report will be securely delivered within 5 days.
Expert Central London Care
Conveniently located in Victoria, our clinic offers a welcoming and highly professional environment where you can undergo your blood draw with total peace of mind.
Clear Pricing
£40.00 test fee plus a £24.00 blood draw fee with absolutely no hidden costs. Our experienced practitioners ensure your visit is completely straightforward.
Pathology Reports
How To Read Your Laboratory Results
Your report will display your circulating AFP concentration. For non-pregnant adults, levels should be extremely low (typically < 10 ng/mL). Mild to moderate elevations often indicate liver inflammation (hepatitis) or cirrhosis. Markedly high or rapidly rising levels are highly suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) or specific germ cell tumours. If the test is performed during pregnancy, the results will be compared against specific gestational age reference ranges to assess fetal development.
Results Timeline: Your specialist diagnostic report is typically available within 5 days of your blood draw.
Medical Consultation
Need Help? Private GP Consultations
Tumour markers require careful and experienced clinical interpretation. If your test demonstrates elevated AFP levels, or if you are troubled by persistent abdominal pain or testicular lumps, we offer private GP consultations on site. Our clinical team can review your report, arrange complementary liver function tests or ultrasound imaging, and coordinate urgent referrals to oncologists or hepatologists where indicated.
Clinic Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before an AFP blood test?
No special fasting is strictly required before an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) test. You may eat and drink normally before your blood draw unless your doctor has ordered additional tests that require fasting.
Are elevated AFP levels always a sign of cancer?
No. While AFP is a known tumour marker, non-cancerous conditions such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or active liver regeneration can also cause elevated AFP levels in adults. Additionally, AFP is naturally very high during pregnancy.
How quickly will I get my results?
Because this test is processed by our specialist referral laboratory to ensure maximum diagnostic accuracy for tumour markers, your comprehensive results will be securely delivered within 5 days.
Why is AFP tested during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the developing fetus produces AFP, which crosses into the mother’s blood (maternal serum AFP). Doctors measure this to help screen for certain fetal developmental issues, such as neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
Is the phlebotomy fee included in the £40.00 price?
No, the £24.00 phlebotomy service fee is separate. It covers the professional process of safely drawing your blood at our Victoria clinic, ensuring clear, transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Online Trends
Most Searched Online Questions About Alpha-Fetoprotein
What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)?
Hepatocellular Carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It most frequently occurs in people with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C. AFP is the primary blood marker used to monitor for HCC.
What are germ cell tumours?
Germ cell tumours are growths that begin in the cells that produce sperm or eggs. The most common type in men is testicular cancer. Certain types of these tumours (non-seminomas) aggressively produce AFP, making the blood test crucial for diagnosis and monitoring treatment success.
How is an AFP test used after cancer treatment?
If a patient’s AFP levels were high before surgery or chemotherapy for a tumour, doctors will continually monitor their blood levels afterward. A steady drop indicates the treatment was successful, while rising levels may be the first sign that the cancer has returned.
Related Health Categories
Book Your Private Blood Test in London Today
Take Control of Your Diagnostic Health
Stop guessing about unexplained liver symptoms, reproductive health concerns, or complex tumour markers. Secure your Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) blood test at Medical Diagnosis Victoria (MDX Victoria) today. Visit our welcoming, discreet London clinic and let our expert clinical team support your health journey with clear, accurate diagnostic answers.
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