Testicular Cancer Blood Test
£199
20% off with code BFBL20
Biomarkers Included with the Testicular Cancer Blood Test blood test
Scroll down for more information about each biomarker
Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
Beta HCG Tumour Marker
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
Why choose us for your Testicular Cancer Blood Test
About the Testicular Cancer Blood Test blood test
Biomarker information for Testicular Cancer Blood Test blood test
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a marker used to detect and diagnose certain cancers and liver diseases. AFP blood testing may also be performed during pregnancy to determine a baby’s risk for a congenital disability or genetic disorder.
AFP is an albumin-like glycoprotein which performs similar functions to albumin in foetal circulation. It is initially produced by the yolk sac, but by 13 weeks of gestation the foetal liver is the main source. After birth, levels in the infant decline rapidly during the first year and reach a low basal range by the end of the second year. These low levels of between 0 and 10 IU/mL are maintained throughout normal adult life.
Elevation of serum AFP may also occur in many patients suffering from primary hepatocellular carcinoma, non-seminomatous testicular cancer and endodermal tumours of the ovary. Elevated levels have also been found in non-malignant diseases such as liver cirrhosis and viral hepatitis.
The most important application of AFP testing in cancer management is for testicular cancer. Although not present in pure seminoma, elevated serum AFP is closely associated with non-seminomatous testicular cancer. The measurement of AFP in serum, in conjunction with serum hCG is an established regimen for monitoring patients with non-seminomatous testicular cancer. The growth rate of progressive cancer can be monitored by serially measuring serum AFP concentration over time.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone, made up of an alpha and beta subunit, that is produced by the placenta and normally is only measurable during pregnancy. Some abnormal tissues and cancers, however, may also produce hCG, making the hCG test useful as a tumour marker in certain people, for example if a suspicious lesion is diagnosed on a scan. The markers is used to help diagnose or monitor gestational trophoblastic disease or germ cell testicular tumours.
HCG can be secreted by abnormal germ cell, placental or embryonal tissues especially seminomatous and non-seminomatous testicular tumours (NSGCT), ovarian germ cell tumours, gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD – hydatiform mole and choriocarcinoma) and benign or malignant non-testicular teratomas.
HCG is most appropriately used in monitoring disease progression or effectiveness of treatment once diagnosis of the tumour has been made and serum concentrations have been shown to be high prior to treatment.
As with most tumour markers there is a high incidence of false positive and false negative results.
Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that the body uses during the process of turning sugar into energy for your cells to use. LDH is found in many of the body’s tissues and organs, including the muscles, liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, brain and blood cells.
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What does the Testicular Cancer Blood Test blood test involve?
This blood test is just like a standard blood test.
You will be asked to uncover you left or right arm and suitable vein is found. A tourniquet will be placed and tightened around your upper arm allowing the veins to swell and a needle will be placed into your vein. A small quantity of blood is then drawn into tubes. Once the procedure is complete a small plaster will be placed onto the site which can be removed after a few hours.
How do I prepare
- The blood test requires access to the area of interest, therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- If you are unsure about the preparation, please contact us for further information.
How to find us
We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service we can which is why we are trusted by GP's, doctors, physiotherapists, midwives and many other healthcare professionals.
Our mission of better quality healthcare for everyone is at the heart of everything we do and drives us to do the best we can for each and every patient that we see. Our team of experts have years of experience and are fully registered and regulated meaning you are in safe hands with us.
Testicular Cancer Blood Test FAQ's
Important Notes
- We may require details of your GP / Health Care Professional before or at the time of the test.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- Blood results require interpretation. All results should be interpreted by your regular health care professional / GP.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 16 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.