afp-hcg

[josh06]

Could anyone please tell what are the tests to be carried out on a blood sample (other than AFP/HCG) for confirmation of TC?

about the AFP/bHCG tests:
do these require only blood samples or urine too?
what are the normal results for these tests?
what would be the danger levels for these?
are these tests much costlier than routine blood tests?


Thanks to everyone in advance.

[Scott]

The important markers are AFP, hCG, and LDH.

Although my general practitioner asked for a urine sample on my very first visit after symptoms appeared, that was to check for infection, and I've had only blood samples taken since then.

The TCRC says that:
1. Normal AFP is less than 5 ng/mL, but cancer cannot be assumed until it is over 25 ng/mL.
2. Normal hCG level is less than 5 mIU/mL, though it may also be elevated by abnormally low testosterone or by marijuana use.

This site says that for LDH, "Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical range is 105-333 IU/L (international units per liter)."