Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Blood

AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Test, MSAFP (Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein) Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• If you smoke. This increases the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood.
• If you had a medical test that used radioactive tracers in the past 2 weeks.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 29, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.