AFP is produced whenever liver cells are regenerating. With chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, AFP may be chronically elevated. Very high concentrations of AFP may be produced by certain tumors. Increased amounts of AFP is found in a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also found in cancers of the testicles or ovaries.

AFP is also part of the Triple Test.  The triple test is an investigation performed during pregnancy in the second trimester to classify a patient as either high-risk or low-risk for chromosomal abnormalities (and neural tube defects).  The Triple screen measures serum levels of AFP, estriol, and beta-hCG