Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
2
Duration
30 min
Results
4 days
What's included
4 deliverables in this treatment
- Specific markers depend on the panel ordered
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) — for men
- CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
- Additional markers as specified by provider
Screen for liver health with the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Blood Test.
About this treatment
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is made by liver cells when they are growing and dividing. Unborn babies have high levels of AFP as their liver is developing but levels fall to very low in adulthood. In adults, AFP tends to be used as a screen for liver problems, in particular liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), or to monitor response to treatment for these conditions. Like most tests, it is not perfect, levels of AFP may be raised in…
Good to know
- Markers
- 1–10+ cancer markers
- Fasting Required
- No
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- 2–5 business days
- Important
- Screening tool, not diagnostic alone
Who is this for?
Men over 50 (or over 40 with family history) for PSA prostate screening. Anyone with a family history of cancer who wants baseline marker levels. Cancer patients monitoring treatment response or screening for recurrence. Health-conscious individuals incorporating cancer markers into their annual screening protocol.
Preparation Required
No fasting required for most tumor markers. For PSA testing: avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test, avoid vigorous cycling for 48 hours, and don't test during a urinary tract infection — all can temporarily elevate PSA. Inform your provider of any recent medical procedures.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
2An enzyme found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Elevated ALP can indicate bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders. It's normally higher in children and during pregnancy due to bone growth.
A protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer, but also benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, or recent ejaculation. PSA velocity (rate of change) and PSA density add diagnostic value.
Treatment highlights
- Specific markers depend on the panel ordered
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) — for men
+2 more items in What's included
Subscription plans and discounts (up to 20% off)
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 4 days