AFP

REF 22-02

ELISA kit ("sandwich" type) for the quantitative determination of alpha-fetoprotein in human serum. 

Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein with molecular weight ca. 70 000 Da. During the ontogenesis AFP is produced mostly in yolk-sac and embryonal liver and, to lesser extent, in gastrointestinal tract. AFP is the main serum protein of early fetus. AFP concentration in fetal serum reaches its climax of up to 240 000 IU/ml between 12 and 15 weeks of gestation. Then its concentration decreases and at the end of second year reaches the normal level (0–16 IU/ml). Normally, AFP concentration is maintained at this level throughout the whole  life.

AFP is excreted through the fetus’ kidneys into amniotic fluid. From there it penetrates the maternal blood through placenta and umbilical cord. AFP level in serum of pregnant women continuously increases and reaches its maximum (up to 400 IU/ml) at the middle of the third trimester. Serum AFP measurement in pregnant women is an important method of early diagnostics of some inborn diseases (such as Down syndrome). Besides, this method is widely used in obstetrics for diagnostics of multiple pregnancy, prenatal death and threatening abortion.

AFP measurement can be also used for diagnostics and monitoring of different forms of cancer. For instance, high and maintaining AFP level (800…80 000 IU/ml) is often connected with primary hepatomas, testis teratomas and ovary tumors.