A number of tests may be suggested by your doctor during the course of your pregnancy. Some of the tests are done on a regular basis and recommended for all pregnant women, while others may be suggested based on individual factors such as the age of mother, medical history of parents or risk of genetic abnormalities. The Alpha-Fetoprotein Test is useful for identifying the presence or absence of a good number of fetal abnormalities.
This is a blood test that tests for Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level in the mother. AFP is made by the liver of your unborn baby and the amount of this substance present in your blood indicates whether or not your baby is at risk of health issues such as spina bifida and anencephaly. It is usually conducted in the second trimester of pregnancy as part of the triple screen or quad screen.
An AFP test helps your doctor decide if further tests or screenings are required during your pregnancy. This test is almost accurate when done between 16 and 18 weeks of your pregnancy and looks primarily for birth defects in your unborn child. Some reasons why you might be asked to get an AFP test are:
No preparation is required before you get the AFP test. Your weight will be noted before the blood is drawn since this is integral to the outcome. You might also be asked to provide details about the race, age, and the number of weeks you have been pregnant for.
This is a simple blood test done on an outpatient basis usually at a diagnostic lab and the results are available in one or two weeks. The lab technician drawing your blood will:
It is a painless process and you might feel a pinch or a sting at the most when the needle pierces your arm. The process usually takes only a few minutes. Since the results will be available only after a few days, you might be anxious to know about your baby during the waiting period.
There are almost no risks associated with an AFP test. Minor discomforts such as those associated with a regular blood test might occur. You may experience:
The amount of alpha-fetoprotein in your blood tells your doctor if there are any problems with your unborn baby and if yes, what they might be. AFP levels can be categorized as normal, high, and low
The normal range of AFP values can vary somewhat depending on the lab you go to. Normal values will also depend on the age of the baby. The following are commonly thought to be in the alpha-fetoprotein normal range.
Category | AFP range in nanograms/millilitre |
Normal adults | 0-40 ng/ml |
Pregnant women from 15-18 weeks | 10-150 ng/ml |
Your individual circumstances and health will have to be taken into consideration before considering AFP values that are abnormally high. High levels of AFP can mean one of the following.
Unusually, low levels of AFP mean one of the following:
There are certain factors that can influence the outcome of the test leading to results that can be misleading. This can happen because:
Also known as the Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test, this is just a screening test and not a diagnostic one. It is important to note that the test only indicates that you are a greater or lower risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects. It does not give definitive results either way. Here are some other things to remember when you undergo this test.
Abnormal levels of AFP by themselves, whether high or low, do not mean that your baby has a birth defect. It only means that your doctor is likely to order further tests such as an ultrasound to arrive at a diagnosis. This is not a mandatory test and you have the right to take one or refuse it. However, almost 75% to 90% of babies with neural tube defects can be identified through this test, taking it might help your chart your future course of action. Additional testing can give you a confirmed diagnosis, following which you can find out if any medical interventions are possible or start making lifestyle changes that might be necessary when bringing up a child with special needs.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.