Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test | Maternal Serum AFP Test (MSAFP Test)

Alpha-fetoprotein screening Test (AFP test)

Alpha-fetoprotein screening test (AFP) checks the alpha-fetoprotein level in the mother's blood during pregnancy. It is usually done between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is also called maternal serum Alpha-fetoprotein screening test or msAFP test.

When is the Alpha-fetoprotein test prescribed?

Maternal serum Alpha-fetoprotein test is prescribed to check for any genetic and congenital disability in the developing baby. It is often recommended in women having a family history of birth defects. Alpha-fetoprotein is naturally made by a baby's liver and goes into the mother's blood through the placenta. During pregnancy, the alpha-fetoprotein is made at a certain level. A higher or lower level formation may indicate a baby's high genetic disorder risk.

There are certain conditions when the AFP test value can be raised. It is not always that the baby is suffering from genetic or congenital disabilities (birth defects). AFP can be raised in other causes like:

• Having more than one baby in the womb (twins, triplets, etc.) as each baby makes AFP.
• The expected delivery date may be wrong, as the level rises or falls during pregnancy.
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Down syndrome

What are the components of the Alpha-fetoprotein screening test?

AFP blood test can be done as a single test or as one part of another screening test; therefore, it is referred to as a Triple or Quadruple marker screen. The other parts of the test may check for these hormones:

• Estriol
• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone)
• Inhibin-A

What is a normal AFP range in pregnancy?

The levels can vary from a non pregnant level of 0.2 ng/mL to about 250 ng/mL at 32 weeks gestation.

How is an alpha-fetoprotein screening test done?

Maternal serum AFP test is performed by drawing blood from a vein between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. Results are expected in 1 to 2 Days.

Note: The Alpha-fetoprotein test is a screening test, not a diagnostic one. It causes no known risks to the mother or baby. A timely test can help detect defects in the baby. Raised values are always an indication of further evaluation.