Alpha-Fetoprotein Test

The alpha-fetoprotein test, or AFP test, is a screening test performed during pregnancy to determine the levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother’s blood.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html The AFP test is the most commonly performed biomedical test.http://www.medicinenet.com/alpha-fetoprotein_blood_test/article.htm Though it is not considered a diagnostic test, the AFP test can lead to the diagnosis of genetic defects in the fetus such as Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, Spina Bifida and other problems.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html http://www.webmd.com/baby/alpha-fetoprotein-afp-in-blood

Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance found in the liver and gastrointestinal tract of the growing fetus that passes into the amniotic fluid and then into the mother’s bloodstream.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html AFP levels in the pregnant mother’s bloodstream fluctuate throughout pregnancy; however, an abnormally high level of AFP in the blood can indicate a problem is present.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html False positives are possible if a woman and her health care provider are not completely sure how far along into her pregnancy she is.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html

Apha-Fetoprotein Test Results

Because the AFP test is a screening test only, abnormal results do not necessarily guarantee there is an problem in the pregnancy. For every 1000 tests done, as many as 50 will return with abnormal results.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html Of those 50, only 1 in 16 to 1 in 33 will actually lead to a diagnosis of a genetic defect.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html However, because of the screening process, up to 90% of cases of neural tube defects are diagnosed prior to birth.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/afp.html

Once an AFP test shows there might be a problem, further testing is needed to diagnose any possible defects. These tests can include ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling, or CVS.http://www.ds-health.com/prenatal.htm Once the results of those tests have returned, medical providers and parents can determine the course of action they wish to take if problems have, indeed, been diagnosed.