What is the alpha-fetoprotein test? The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood. Usually, the test is part of the triple test (determination of three serum markers – alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free-beta HCG) and unconjugated estriol) in the biochemical screening during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, this test may also be useful in other patients. The gall bladder, gastrointestinal tract and liver of the fetus produce AFP. Then the alpha-fetoprotein, which circulates in the blood of the fetus, passes into the blood of the pregnant woman. Normally, low levels of AFP are observed in the blood of the mature human organism. High levels of AFP in non-pregnant women and men usually indicate certain types of liver disease. Why is the alpha-fetoprotein test necessary? The study of serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a routine screening test that is assigned to expectant mothers between the 14th and 22nd weeks of their pregnancy. The test is most accurate between the 16th and 18th week. Correct dating of the pregnancy is very important for the accuracy of the study. The alpha-fetoprotein test is usually part of a triple test – a biochemical screening in the second trimester of pregnancy that examines: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG); Estriol, which is a hormone produced by the placenta of the pregnant woman and the liver of the fetus; Inhibin A, which is a hormone produced by the placenta The results of these tests can determine the risk that the baby will be born with a birth defect. Malformations found with this type of screening can include neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. AFP results can help a doctor determine if his patient needs further testing. A positive test does not necessarily mean that the baby will have a birth defect. Testing for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood is especially important for women who are at high risk of having children with birth defects, this includes women: Who are 35 years of age or older; With a family history (case of a disease in the family) of birth defects; Who used harmful drugs or drugs during their pregnancy; Who have diabetes In other people, AFP, as a tumor marker, can help diagnose and monitor certain liver diseases, such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. This test can also help detect several other types of cancer, such as cancer of the: Testicles; The ovaries; The bile ducts; Stomach; Pancreas What are the risks of the alpha-fetoprotein test? There are minimal risks associated with drawing blood for the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test. The patient may feel sick from the sight of blood or experience mild pain or stinging at the puncture site.There is a small risk of excessive bleeding or hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). There is also a small risk of infection at the puncture site. What is the procedure for the alpha-fetoprotein test? The blood draw is an outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes and is relatively painless. No special preparation is required before the procedure. During the procedure, a blood sample is taken from a vein on the inside of the elbow. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available within one to two weeks. What can alpha-fetoprotein test results mean? For women who are not pregnant, as well as men, the normal level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is usually less than 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood. If the AFP level is abnormally high in the absence of pregnancy, it may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer or liver disease. In pregnancy, higher than normal levels of AFP may indicate a neural tube defect in the developing fetus. However, the most common cause of elevated AFP levels is inaccurate pregnancy dating. AFP levels vary significantly during pregnancy. With AFP levels that are abnormally low, it may mean that the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. Abnormal alpha-fetoprotein test results may be due to a multiple pregnancy (with twins or triplets). Abnormal AFP values ​​may also be due to fetal death. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood do not necessarily mean that the baby will be born with a defect. Such values ​​only indicate that more tests are needed for the doctor to make a diagnosis. New alpha-fetoprotein studies followed by ultrasonography should be performed. The specialist may prescribe a more invasive test method, such as amniocentesis, if the test results are still abnormal. Bibliography: Ball, D., Rose, E. and Alpert, E., Alpha-fetoprotein levels in normal adults Graves, JC, Miller, KE, Sellers, AD Maternal serum triple analyte screening in pregnancy Healthline. Alpha-Fetoprotein Testa normal level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is usually less than 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood. If the AFP level is abnormally high in the absence of pregnancy, it may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer or liver disease. In pregnancy, higher than normal levels of AFP may indicate a neural tube defect in the developing fetus. However, the most common cause of elevated AFP levels is inaccurate pregnancy dating. AFP levels vary significantly during pregnancy. With AFP levels that are abnormally low, it may mean that the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. Abnormal alpha-fetoprotein test results may be due to a multiple pregnancy (with twins or triplets). Abnormal AFP values ​​may also be due to fetal death. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood do not necessarily mean that the baby will be born with a defect. Such values ​​only indicate that more tests are needed for the doctor to make a diagnosis. New alpha-fetoprotein studies followed by ultrasonography should be performed. The specialist may prescribe a more invasive test method, such as amniocentesis, if the test results are still abnormal. Bibliography: Ball, D., Rose, E. and Alpert, E., Alpha-fetoprotein levels in normal adults Graves, JC, Miller, KE, Sellers, AD Maternal serum triple analyte screening in pregnancy Healthline. Alpha-Fetoprotein Testa normal level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is usually less than 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood. If the AFP level is abnormally high in the absence of pregnancy, it may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer or liver disease. In pregnancy, higher than normal levels of AFP may indicate a neural tube defect in the developing fetus. However, the most common cause of elevated AFP levels is inaccurate pregnancy dating. AFP levels vary significantly during pregnancy. With AFP levels that are abnormally low, it may mean that the fetus has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome. Abnormal alpha-fetoprotein test results may be due to a multiple pregnancy (with twins or triplets). Abnormal AFP values ​​may also be due to fetal death. Abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood do not necessarily mean that the baby will be born with a defect. Such values ​​only indicate that more tests are needed for the doctor to make a diagnosis. New alpha-fetoprotein studies followed by ultrasonography should be performed. The specialist may prescribe a more invasive test method, such as amniocentesis, if the test results are still abnormal. Bibliography: Ball, D., Rose, E. and Alpert, E., Alpha-fetoprotein levels in normal adults Graves, JC, Miller, KE, Sellers, AD Maternal serum triple analyte screening in pregnancy Healthline. Alpha-Fetoprotein Test