LisaKIT AFP

Microplate test in ELISA format for the detection of alphafetoprotein (AFP) in human sera.

LisaKIT AFP has to be used to quantificate total AFP in a serum sample as a tumor marker, being its main use the diagnostic and monitorization of neoplasic diseases. The other clinical use, as part of the second trimester triple screening is not an indication of LisaKIT AFP, because this belongs to the list b of the annex II, “Real Decreto 1672/2000” and LisaKIT AFP does not comply with the requirements of this standard.

The quantification of AFP is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocarcinoma primary, non-seminomatosus the testicular cancer and malformations in the fetus such as defects of the neural tube or Down's Syndrome. The AFP, along with the beta-HCG and estriol, comprises of the triple call screening of 2nd quarterly. Elevated levels of AFP in amniotic maternal fluid and/or serum are indicative of fetal malformations, specially defects of the neural tube. Low levels of AFP in maternal serum (minor than 30% in concentration) during the second trimester of pregnancy are associated to Down's Syndrome.

The usefulness of AFP measurements in the management of patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancers has been well documented. For patients in clinical remission following treatment, AFP levels generally decrease. Post-operative AFP values which fail to return to normal strongly suggest the presence of residual tumor. Tumor recurrence is often accompanied by a rise in AFP before progressive disease is clinically evident.

Alfa-fetoprotein is a protein with a molecular weight of 70,000 daltons. The AFP is a glycoprotein of about 70 Kd., that belongs to the family of the globulins of human plasma proteins and with a content approximated in 4% of carbohydrates. The AFP is produced mainly by the liver during the embryonic development and can be detected so much in fetal and maternal serum like in amniotic liquid (3). The AFP reaches their maximum level, in week 12 of pregnancy and progressively diminishes until 25 ng/ml one year after the childbirth. In healthy adults, the normal levels are inferior to 10 ng/ml.

	Technique	Sample	Promotional Sheet	CE Decl.	Instruct.	Technical Reports
LisaKIT AFP	ELISA	serum				N/A