Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Screening Test

What’s an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening check?

Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood check that checks the extent of alpha-fetoprotein within the mom’s blood throughout being pregnant. AFP is a protein usually made by the infant’s liver. It’s discovered within the fluid surrounding the infant within the womb (amniotic fluid). AFP goes by the placenta into the mom’s blood. The AFP blood check known as MSAFP (maternal serum AFP). The AFP can be measured within the amniotic fluid. That is referred to as AFAFP.

An excessive amount of or too little AFP could also be an indication of:

• Open neural tube defects, resembling spina bifida

• Down syndrome

• Different chromosomal abnormalities

• Defects within the stomach wall of the infant

• Twins (greater than 1 child is making the protein)

• A miscalculated due date, as the degrees change throughout being pregnant

You could have an AFP check as 1 a part of a 2-, 3-, or 4-part screening. That is typically referred to as a a number of marker display. The opposite elements of the check could examine for these hormones made by the placenta:

Irregular check outcomes for AFP and different markers could present a necessity for extra testing. An ultrasound can normally verify the dates of the being pregnant. It’s also used to have a look at the infant’s backbone and different physique elements for defects. An amniocentesis could also be wanted for correct analysis.

How is an alpha-fetoprotein screening check accomplished?

Normally, an AFP check is finished this manner:

• Blood is normally taken from a vein between the fifteenth and twentieth weeks of being pregnant.

• The blood pattern is then despatched off to be checked at a lab.

• Outcomes of the assessments are normally prepared in 1 to 2 weeks or much less, relying on the lab.

What are the dangers and advantages of an alpha-fetoprotein screening check?