AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Maternal

• Test Name: AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Maternal Test
• Test Type: Blood test (Serum measurement of AFP levels)
• Specimen Required: Maternal blood sample
• Methodology: Measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by the fetal liver, in the mother’s blood. This test is typically done as part of the second-trimester screening.
• Purpose: Used to assess the risk of neural tube defects and other fetal abnormalities, as well as conditions like Down syndrome.

• Screening: This test is part of prenatal screening to evaluate the risk of neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) and abdominal wall defects in the fetus.
• Diagnosis: Although not diagnostic by itself, abnormal levels of AFP may indicate the need for further diagnostic testing such as ultrasound or amniocentesis.
• Monitoring: In some cases, AFP levels may be monitored in high-risk pregnancies to track the development of potential fetal conditions.

• Single Test or Part of Panel: Often performed as part of the triple or quadruple screening tests that measure other markers such as hCG, estriol, and inhibin-A.
• Measurement: Quantitative measurement of AFP levels in the mother’s serum.
• Gestational Timing: Typically performed between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

• High Levels of AFP: Elevated AFP levels may suggest an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, or abdominal wall defects, like gastroschisis or omphalocele. It can also indicate multiple pregnancies.
• Low Levels of AFP: Low AFP levels are associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
• Normal Range: AFP levels within the normal range suggest a lower likelihood of fetal abnormalities, though it does not guarantee the absence of such conditions.
• Further Testing: Abnormal AFP results often lead to additional testing, such as detailed ultrasounds or amniocentesis, to confirm any potential fetal abnormalities.

• Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within a few days to a week after the blood draw.
• Reporting: AFP levels are reported in multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational age. An MoM greater than 2.5 may indicate an increased risk of neural tube defects.
• Further Actions: If results are abnormal, further diagnostic testing such as ultrasound or amniocentesis may be recommended to confirm any suspected abnormalities.

Q. What is the AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) Maternal Test?
This test measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in a pregnant woman’s blood to assess the risk of fetal abnormalities such as neural tube defects or chromosomal conditions
 

Q. When is the AFP test typically performed during pregnancy?
The AFP test is usually performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy as part of the second-trimester screening
 

Q. What do high AFP levels indicate?
High AFP levels may indicate an increased risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida, abdominal wall defects, or multiple pregnancies. However, further testing is needed for the diagnosis
 

Q. What do low AFP levels indicate?
Low AFP levels may suggest an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome
 

Q. Is the AFP test diagnostic?
No, the AFP test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Abnormal results may prompt additional diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound or amniocentesis, to confirm any potential issues
 

Q. Do I need to prepare for the AFP test?
No special preparation is needed for the AFP test, but it's important to provide accurate information about the gestational age of the pregnancy for precise interpretation of results
 

Q. What happens if my AFP test result is abnormal?
If the AFP result is abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further tests like an ultrasound or amniocentesis to determine the cause of the abnormal result and evaluate the health of your baby