[Value of anti-human heterogeneous lens culinaris agglutinin reactive AFP monoclonal antibody in the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC)].

In this paper, we report on the preparation and application of anti-human heterogeneous AFP-R-LCA monoclonal antibodies (VG5, VD12, VB5, VA8, VD1). These McAbs were more sensitive and specific for AFP-R-LCA than the anti-AFP polyclonal antibody routinely used. The twin site (a and b) sandwich ELISA method so established was used to test the serum samples of 69 PHC patients, 67 patients with benign liver diseases, 30 pregnant women and 30 normal controls. The results showed that this twin site sandwich ELISA method gave a false positive reaction in only 2.1% and was 81.2% (56/69) positive reaction, giving a positive reaction to 5-100 ng/ml. It was positive in PHC patients with AFP levels less than 400 ng/ml. This method, being simple, accurate and reliable, is valuable in the differential diagnosis of PHC from benign liver diseases.