Anti-AFP - HRP (Clone 166)

Alpha-1-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally only produced in the fetus during its development. It is a normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of the fetus. AFP levels decrease soon after birth and probably has no function in normal adults. It binds the hormone estradiol to keep it from affecting the fetal brain. Its measurement during pregnancy has been useful to detect certain abnormalities - specifically, if high levels of AFP are found in amniotic fluid, it can indicate a developmental defect in the baby. In some patients who are not pregnant a tumor can produce AFP, thus it can be used as a tumor marker.