Alpha- fetoprotein ( AFP ) is normally produced by developing fetus. Production of AFP falls to a low level after birth and remains low in healthy children and adults. The protein re-appears in adult serum during certain liver disease, especially acute viral or drug induced hepatitis and can be used as an early- detection test for these conditions. An elevated level of AFP strongly suggests the presence of liver cancer ( hepatocellular carcinoma ) or germ cell( ovarian and testis ) tumors. It is important to diagnose AFP because it is rarely elevated in healthy persons and a rise is seen in only a few disease states. Requires no equipment or multiple steps Can be performed in the physician's office or clinical laboratories Accurate results in 20 minutes on-hand time at room temperature Easy-to-read color line of the result.