What is an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test?

An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used to screen for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects like spina bifida. AFP is a protein that is produced by the foetus and is normally found in the mother's blood. A high level of AFP in the mother's blood may indicate that the baby has a birth defect. Conditions that may cause increased levels of AFP in the blood include hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer), germ cell tumors (tumors that develop from reproductive cells), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a type of cancer that develops from lymphocytes), multiple myeloma (a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow), pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer.

Pregnant women usually undergo the test between sixteen and twenty-two weeks of pregnancy.

What is an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test?

An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used to screen for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects like spina bifida. AFP is a protein that is produced by the foetus and is normally found in the mother's blood. A high level of AFP in the mother's blood may indicate that the baby has a birth defect. Conditions that may cause increased levels of AFP in the blood include hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer), germ cell tumors (tumors that develop from reproductive cells), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a type of cancer that develops from lymphocytes), multiple myeloma (a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow), pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer.

Pregnant women usually undergo the test between sixteen and twenty-two weeks of pregnancy.

What is the purpose of the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test?

The AFP test measures the alpha-fetoprotein level in your blood. Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced by the foetus and is present in high levels in the blood of pregnant women. The test is usually done during the second trimester of pregnancy but can be done earlier or later if there are concerns about the health of the foetus. The AFP test is used to screen for certain birth defects, including neural tube defects like spina bifida. A high level of AFP in the blood may also be a sign of other problems, such as twins or triplets, an ectopic pregnancy, or a molar pregnancy.

What does the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test Diagnose?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used to diagnose various conditions. AFP is a protein produced by a developing foetus’s liver and yolk sac. In adults, AFP is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. The AFP test is used to screen for certain birth defects, like neural tube defects, and to monitor pregnant women who have higher chances of having these conditions. AFP levels are also used to help diagnose liver cancer and determine how well treatment is working.

Why Do You Need an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test?

An alpha-fetoprotein test measures the level of AFP in your blood. The level of AFP in your blood can be an indicator of certain health conditions, such as liver disease, certain cancers, and problems with the development of the foetus during pregnancy. The test is usually done to screen for birth defects, such as neural tube defects, in pregnant women. It can also be used to monitor pregnancies complicated by conditions like twins or diabetes. An AFP test can be used to:

• Detect certain birth defects of the brain and spine.
• Find out if cancer has spread from where it started to other parts of the body.
• Monitor treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer).

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you're pregnant and have diabetes or a history of neural or birth defects in your family.

Preparation and procedure required for the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

To prepare for the test, you should not eat anything for at least 8 hours before having your blood drawn. You should also avoid taking any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements during this time. Stay hydrated to ensure that the blood draw goes smoothly and quickly. Hydration decreases the chance of blood pressure changes. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]When you arrive for the test, the technician will take a sample of your blood from the vein in your arm. The drawn blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for further analysis. You may feel slight pain or tingling sensation when the needle is inserted. But these symptoms will resolve Ton their own after a few hours. The whole process typically takes less than 5 minutes. If you have a fear of needles, tell the technician before this test. The technician may advise you on breathing techniques to ensure that the entire procedure goes smoothly.

Understanding the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test results

An AFP test measures the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) amount in your blood. AFP is a specific type of protein made by the foetal liver and found in the blood of developing babies (foetuses). After birth, the level of AFP in a baby's blood quickly decreases. Small amounts of AFP are still produced in adults, but this typically doesn't exceed 10 micrograms per litre (mcg/L). Irregular AFP levels mean:

• You miscalculated your due date.
• You are having twins.

An abnormal result may be due to the following conditions:

• A brain or spine birth defect, such as anencephaly or open spina bifida.
• Liver damage from a virus, such as hepatitis B or C, or drinking too much alcohol.
• Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or hemochromatosis (conditions that damage the liver).
• Certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, germ cell tumours, stomach cancer, hepatoblastoma (a type of liver cancer), or primary liver cancer.
• Metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from where it started to other parts of the body).

There are several things that can affect the results of an AFP test. The most common is pregnancy, which can cause false-positive results. Other factors that can affect results include:

• Obesity
• Liver disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain medications